Young students discover the joy of science at an expo by Play Africa and Henkel South Africa.
Image: Supplied
Following the success of its inaugural South African programme in 2025, Henkel South Africa has brought its global STEM education initiative, Researchers’ World, back to the country.
The programme gave 35 learners aged eight to 10 from Children of Promise, the school arm of The Almond Tree in Johannesburg, a day of practical science experiments, including the memorable baking soda volcano, bouncing ball, paper chromatography colour separation and slime-making activities facilitated by Play Africa.
The event took place as the organisation celebrates 75 years in South Africa and 150 years globally, alongside 15 years of Forscherwelt (Researchers’ World) worldwide. Together, these milestones reflect Henkel’s long-standing heritage of science, research and innovation, as well as its continued investment in future generations.
Since its 2011 launch, the programme has reached around 115 000 children globally in more than 20 countries. This year’s event ran under the global theme Being Like A Researcher encouraging children to think, explore and experiment the way real scientists do.
“This initiative reflects who we are as an organisation. Built on science, research and innovation, we believe that investing in young minds today helps shape the innovators of tomorrow,” said Natasha Naidoo, Director of Henkel Adhesive Technologies South Africa. “Researchers’ World gives learners the opportunity to experience science in a practical and engaging way, encouraging curiosity, exploration and critical thinking. Early exposure to STEM helps build essential skills and confidence, laying the foundation for a lifelong interest in science and inspiring the next generation of innovators.”
Young learners get excited at solving problems at a STEM worshop.
Image: Supplied
The Almond Tree NGO supports children from a care-based community environment, including those in its temporary place of safety and foster homes, alongside day scholars from the surrounding community. Its independent school, Children of Promise, was established in 2021 and currently serves learners from grade 1-6. Participants were selected by year group, supported by experienced Play Africa educators and five Henkel employee volunteers, who guided learners under the educators’ supervision.
“This allows us to bring high-quality, hands-on STEM learning directly to young learners in a way that feels playful, accessible, and inspiring,” said Mfanafuthi Mbongwe, CEO, Play Africa. “By encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and real-world exploration early on, we are helping children build the confidence and foundational skills they need to navigate the future.”
This year’s programme built on last year’s successful, overwhelmingly positive response, adapted the activities for a slightly older age group and placing greater emphasis on the “why” behind each experiment. The learners were encouraged to deeper observation, questioning and critical thinking rather than experiments alone.
Learners were treated to an exciting mix of discovery and creativity, while being encouraged to stay curious, ask questions.
Henkel South Africa aims to establish Researchers’ World as an annual initiative in South Africa and expand its reach to more schools over time. 
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