Founded in 2004, Engenius Kids is a student-run programme at the North-West University (NWU), dedicated to inspiring Grade 9 learners, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds in townships, to pursue their education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

“Our mission is to cultivate future innovators and leaders in South Africa by providing exposure, education and encouragement in STEM fields,” says Nadin Talip, programme manager for Marketing and Media at Engenius Kids.

Engenius Kids provides a range of activities designed to make STEM subjects accessible and engaging for young learners. The programme includes interactive workshops with sessions to demonstrate the real-world applications of mathematics and science, making these subjects more relatable and exciting for learners. Industry tours to various STEM-related industries are arranged to give them first-hand exposure to potential careers in engineering and technology and to educational resources for learners in grades 10 to 12. Tutoring services in mathematics and science are also offered to help the learners excel in their studies and prepare for future careers in STEM.

The programme is driven by a passionate team of 72 volunteers, including faculty members, engineering students, and Mr Hannes du Toit, a lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering and the founding father and senior project director of Engenius Kids.

The initiative started as a Saturday school, where children paid for tutoring and received exposure to engineering concepts. However, in 2020, in response to a noticeable decline in STEM professionals in South Africa, they shifted their focus to raising awareness about STEM education among disadvantaged communities.

Through engaging and informative showcases, Engenius Kids introduces learners to various engineering disciplines, including industrial, chemical, mechanical, electrical and computer engineering. By demystifying the STEM fields, Engenius Kids aims to show learners that these subjects are not intimidating, but instead offer numerous opportunities for growth and success. Once learners choose to continue with mathematics and science, they support them further by organising industry tours to engineering companies in Potchefstroom, giving them a deeper insight into the world of engineering.

The primary community for Engenius Kids is Ikageng Extension 7 in Potchefstroom, with BA Seobi Secondary School as the main beneficiary. The project has also been extended to schools in the Vanderbijlpark and Mahikeng regions.

“Currently, Engenius Kids is solely funded by the NWU’s Faculty of Engineering. As we look to the future, we hope to expand our reach to more communities and continue providing invaluable support to aspiring young engineers. Our vision is to ensure a brighter future for STEM in South Africa by nurturing a new generation of skilled professionals,” says Nadin.

“The most rewarding aspect of this project is hearing from those who are now in universities, sharing how Engenius Kids helped shape their career choices,” she adds.

The success of the Engenius Kids programme is evident, with many recipients expressing their gratitude for the exposure and guidance they received, underscoring the lasting impact of the programme on their lives.

Join and support the Engenius Kids programme in empowering the next generation of engineers and innovators and help us continue making a difference in the lives of South Africa's youth through STEM education. Contact them via their Instagram page, @engenius_kids, for more information.

Mr. Hannes du Toit, a lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering and the founding father and senior project director of Engenius Kids.

The Engenius Kids executives are engineering students who volunteer at the programme.

The Engenius Kids club team.

Learners are exposed to chemical engineering.

Learners attend a class lesson.

Attending an interactive engineering workshop.

During a workshop at the Dr Oliphant Molefe High School in the Vanderbijlpark region.