Henkel South Africa conducted its global educational initiative on STEM in South Africa, named Researchers' World. This program was resumed following a successful first launch in South Africa in 2025.
The event provided 35 students aged eight to ten from Children of Promise, a school division of The Almond Tree in Johannesburg, the opportunity to participate in practical scientific experiments. These sessions, organized by Play Africa, included activities such as creating a baking soda volcano, playing with a bouncing ball, separating colors using paper chromatography, and making slime.
This event took place as part of celebrating Henkel's 75th anniversary in South Africa and 150 years of its global history, as well as the 15th anniversary of the Forscherwelt (Researchers' World) program worldwide. These milestones underscore Henkel's long-standing commitment to science, research, and innovation, as well as its continuous investment in the next generation.
Since its start in 2011, the program has reached approximately 115,000 children in over 20 countries. This year's theme was 'Be like a researcher,' which encouraged children to think, explore, and conduct experiments like real scientists.
Natasha Naidu, Director of Henkel Adhesive Technologies South Africa, noted that this initiative reflects the essence of the company. She stated: 'Built on science, research, and innovation, we believe that investing in young minds today helps shape tomorrow's innovators.' She added that 'Researchers' World gives students the chance to experience science in a practical and engaging way, encouraging curiosity, exploration, and critical thinking. Early exposure to STEM helps develop essential skills and confidence, laying the foundation for a lifelong interest in science and inspiring the next generation of innovators.'
The non-profit organization The Almond Tree supports children in care, including those in temporary shelters and foster families, as well as day students from surrounding communities. Its independent school, Children of Promise, was founded in 2021 and currently accepts students in grades 1 through 6. Participants were selected in groups and accompanied by experienced Play Africa teachers and five Henkel employee volunteers who supervised the process under the guidance of educators.
Mphanafuthi Mbongwe, CEO of Play Africa, emphasized the significance of this approach: 'It allows us to deliver high-quality practical STEM education directly to young students in a way that feels playful, accessible, and inspiring.' He also noted that 'by encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and real-world exploration from an early age, we help children gain the confidence and foundational skills they need to navigate the future.'
This year's program built upon the extremely positive feedback from last year, adapting activities for a slightly older age group and placing more emphasis on the 'why' behind each experiment. Students were encouraged toward deeper observation, questioning, and critical thinking, rather than just conducting experiments.
The students enjoyed a combination of discovery and creativity, while constantly being motivated to remain curious and ask questions. Henkel South Africa plans to make Researchers' World an annual initiative in South Africa and expand its reach to more schools in the future.