Take M Transformation Holds 2025 Edition of COMMON Mathematics Challenge

Common Take M Participants © Sirra Chorr

By Fatoumata Jaiteh

Take M Transformation Organisation staged its 2025 edition of the COMMON “Mother of Mathematics’’ competition on 22 November 2025 at the Babucarr O. Joof Confidence Hall in Brikama, bringing together some of the country’s brightest junior school students for a day of speed, precision, and academic discipline.

According to the organisers, the selection process began with 50 students drawn from junior schools across The Gambia. After a rigorous preliminary stage, 32 students qualified for the main competition. Schools nominated candidates they believed could best represent them, making the event both competitive and a point of pride for many schools.

Africell served as the main sponsor of the event.

Organisers say the COMMON initiative is designed to strengthen foundational numeracy skills among school-aged children while nurturing confidence, discipline, and speed in mathematics problem solving. The competition encourages mastery of the multiplication table, considered one of the most essential building blocks of mathematical literacy, and aims to identify and support young talents in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Organisers emphasised that COMMON was designed to inspire greater interest in STEM by teaching students how to think quickly, manage pressure, and apply logic skills that transfer directly to higher-level math and science learning. By engaging young learners early, the program seeks to widen the country’s future pool of STEM professionals.

During the main event, students were called according to their assigned number tags to recite the multiplication table from 2 to 12. Each participant was allotted a strict three-minute time limit, making time management one of the defining features of the challenge.

Out of the 32 participants, only 13 successfully completed all times tables within the three-minute time frame, earning them automatic qualification for the finals scheduled for 29 November 2025.

The first runner-up completed the task in an impressive 1 minute 34 seconds, the second in 1:40, and the third in 1:44 seconds, respectively.  Their performances drew applause from teachers and parents in attendance.

Because the final round required 25 contestants, the remaining 19 students returned for a second-chance round. That segment proved tense, as each competitor delivered their best effort to secure a spot in the finals.

Speaking on behalf of Africell, Mr Joseph encouraged the students to stay committed to learning, noting that education extends far beyond the classroom. “Learning does not only stop in school; it extends beyond,” he remarked.

He explained that Africell’s investment in such initiatives reflects its broader commitment to education, entertainment, and youth development. “Africell is engaged in so many things to help people thrive in their areas of interest. Africell is interested in building young people,” he added.

Long-time Take M partner Mr Malang Kuyateh also advised students to always prepare thoroughly for competitions, stressing that preparation builds confidence and strong performance. He praised the efforts of Take M founder Mr Tunde, describing his contribution to youth development as invaluable. “The entire country has to thank Mr Tunde… his efforts cannot be overemphasised in building these children,” he said.

Corporate sponsorship is crucial to sustaining programs like COMMON. By supporting academic competitions, companies such as Africell help close resource gaps, motivate learners, and create spaces where young people can showcase and develop their abilities.

Such partnerships not only strengthen the educational landscape but also contribute to national development by investing in the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem solvers. Sponsors often provide funding, logistical support, and visibility elements essential for building a culture that values academic excellence.

The 2025 COMMON finals will take place on Saturday, 29 November 2025, at the Babucarr O. Joof Confidence Hall in Brikama.