In South Africa’s township schools, where science labs are rare and language barriers often stifle curiosity, AmaQawe ngeMfundo (Heroes through Education) is transforming how science is taught — both visually and verbally. The NGO is redefining STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) access by making science exciting, accessible, and relevant while nurturing a new generation of local problem-solvers.

Founded by Associate Professor Fanelwa Ngece-Ajayi, a physical chemist and deputy dean of research and innovation at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) with a passion for grassroots change, AmaQawe was built on a simple premise: potential exists everywhere, but opportunity doesn’t.

“The project was inspired by the learners themselves,” says Ngece-Ajayi. “They had the potential but lacked the tools, the labs, and often, the belief that STEM was for them.”

To bridge that gap, AmaQawe brings mobile science labs, interactive workshops, and mentorship programmes into under-resourced schools. University students and STEM professionals from similar backgrounds offer not only academic support, but proof that success in science is possible.

Crucially, lessons are delivered in learners’ home languages, like isiXhosa — breaking down one of the biggest barriers to understanding.

“Science shouldn’t feel foreign,” says Ngece-Ajayi. “When learners hear it in their own language, something shifts. They’re more likely to engage, succeed, and pursue STEM further.”

Portable STEM kits turn ordinary classrooms into hands-on laboratories.

Teachers report renewed interest, while learners are asking more questions, applying for science programmes, and returning later to mentor others.

The impact is tangible. A R1 million grant from De Beer Marine helped 35 UWC students — many first exposed to STEM through AmaQawe — complete their studies.

“We measure success not just in degrees, but in confidence, curiosity, and community pride. When learners start asking questions, building experiments, and dreaming in code — that’s success,” says Ngece-Ajayi.

As the programme grows, so does its ambition. Future plans include mobile STEM labs for rural schools, a full STEM curriculum in isiXhosa, virtual mentorship platforms and teacher training initiatives. These efforts aim to ensure that quality science education reaches learners in even the most remote areas.

“Early exposure fosters curiosity, confidence, and foundational thinking skills when young minds are most open to exploration,” she says. “If we do this right, we gain a generation of empowered problem-solvers who can tackle challenges like poverty, disease, and climate change with home-grown solutions. If we don’t, we risk deepening the educational divide, leaving potential untapped, and perpetuating cycles of inequality and exclusion from the global knowledge economy.”

AmaQawe’s work supports national goals for education and innovation, while also standing as a reminder that relevance matters. “STEM becomes powerful when learners see themselves in the field and connect what they’re learning to real-life problems.”

Recognition from the NSTF-South32 Awards could help scale their impact. “It validates our model and inspires our learners. It shows that their dreams are valid and achievable,” she says.

And for those wondering how to help? “Volunteer, donate, mentor, partner. If you believe in equal education, there’s a role for you here.” Because when learners hear science in their own language and see people like them represented, they don’t just participate — they lead.

Read the special Mail & Guardian supplement about all the NSTF-South32 Award winners.