SCHOOLS are being invited to `do sum good' by participating in the Children in Crossfire Maths Challenge.
The quiz allows classmates to collaborate in teams to solve maths problems themed around the developing world regions where charity Children in Crossfire carries out life-saving work.
The competition is designed to encourage pupils to learn about their roles as global citizens and engage them in fundraising activities to help others, while developing an understanding of the practical implications of maths.
Questions have been set in partnership with mathematicians at Qubizm - an Irish company, which created the Izak9 resource, to engage children with maths.
It is aimed at ages 6 to 16 and teachers can choose from one of six difficulty levels.
Children in Crossfire responds to the rights and needs of children and young people caught in the crossfire of global poverty, injustice and inequality. The patron of the not-for-profit organisation is His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Founder Richard Moore appealed to schools and teachers to get involved.
"The challenge encourages children across the island of Ireland to engage with maths as an agent for change, using real and visible maths problems from our projects in the developing world," he said.
"By taking on the maths challenges set by our Izak9 partners at Qubizm and taking part in fundraising activities, pupils will be engaged in learning and in helping others to learn in Tanzania and Ethiopia.
"The money raised will go straight into supporting initiatives like our early childhood development programme, which is making a real difference to the lives of many thousands of children in hundreds of schools in those countries."
Schools are also being invited to get creative with their fundraising activities and share them with the world on social media with #DoSumGood.
"We'd be delighted to assist with any fundraising ideas and provide the resources needed. It could be a simple bake sale or coffee morning, a more traditional no-uniform day, a daring onesie day or something totally creative and unique," Mr Moore added.
Franz Schlindwein, creator of Izak9 and a former maths teacher, said the challenge was fun and educational on many levels.
"We're delighted to support this excellent cause as it engages young people with mathematics, raises awareness of challenges faced by children in developing countries and helps fund vital projects in Ethiopia and Tanzania," he said.
:: Registration is now open and participating classes have until May 4 to submit their answer. For further information visit www.cicmathschallenge.com.
