Mind Calibrator, an innovative game that integrates numbers and critical thinking to prepare young people for the workplace, was presented at the Sci-Bono FESTO Lab on May 21.
The annual Mathematics Week event with the theme, ‘Play with Math’, saw learners from schools across the province engage with educational games.
Ninety Grade Nine learners from Wedele Secondary School, Meyerton Secondary School, and Allan Ridge Secondary School play-tested the game, sparking a positive response.
Last year, it yielded positive results when introduced to learners at Thandi Sibeko Secondary School in Duduza.
Andries Mokoena is the CEO of Makgalemele Innovations, based in Duduza and Tsakane. He said he created the game to prepare learners for the corporate world.
“In 2012, I was retrenched. I wanted to put my mind to work, so I developed a game incorporating all the knowledge and experience I gained in the workplace.
“In my 12 years working, I learnt how the workplace operates. The game rules emulate the standard operating procedures of producing quality,” Mokoena explained.
The game is a group activity that requires creative and critical thinking and team effort to solve number puzzles.
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They further explained that the game was designed for young people from Grades Four to 12, but adults can use it as a team-building activity in the workplace.
The learners had fun and an educational experience while testing the game. They called the game challenging. It enhanced their teamwork abilities and understanding of numbers.
Learner Kopano Molefe said the game was complex without the help of his teammates, but it was a fun and brilliant game to stimulate his mind. Mokoena said the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller approved his funding to develop their 4-in-1 wooden games.
He said he looks forward to getting funding to develop the mobile game as soon as the wooden game hits the shelves.
