On 17 May 2024, learners in Grades 11 and 12 at Crestway Secondary School commenced their final mathematics revision session at AIMS South Africa. Fueled by nourishment and enthusiasm, they approached their studies with fervor. Yet, amidst the theorems, formulas and equations, they discovered something profound – recognition! Collaboration between historically marginalised learners and AIMS South Africa has illuminated a vital revelation: genuine acknowledgment of learners in mathematical science spaces surpasses mere academic excellence or even interest; it rests on the recognition of learners’ inherent worth by holders of knowledge. Ultimately, it falls upon the custodians of knowledge to embody an ethics of care – to demonstrate an essence of humanity. The response of learners was to revel in joy and laughter forging fond memories with and of mathematics.