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I am a Scientist is an exciting educational enrichment programme for primary school children that aims to bridge the opportunity gap and promote equitable science outcomes in South Africa. Through virtual and in-person programmes, children discover the wonder of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in the world all around them, and are inspired by local STEM experts and authentic materials. I am a Scientist brings the excitement of STEM to South African children of different backgrounds, ages and abilities - creating a more diverse future workforce by showing every child that she or he can become a scientist!

Programmes like these in disadvantaged communities may help bridge opportunity gaps in science education. Research shows that racial and gender disparities are reflected in the unequal visibility of South Africans in STEM fields. In 2017, Marina Joubert and Lars Guenther reported in the South African Journal of Science that 78% of South Africa’s most visible scientists are white, despite the fact that white South Africans make up only 8% of the country’s population. A full 63% of the most visible scientists are white men. This might lead to devastating misconceptions among South African children about who can and should pursue science and STEM careers. 

“Promoting equity in science and STEM in South Africa means changing mind-sets, fighting racial and gender biases, and challenging stereotypes that limit children’s professional goals,” said Gretchen Wilson-Prangley, CEO of Play Africa. “We’ve designed this programme to show every child that she or he has a right to science, science education and science literacy. We want to unlock new possibilities for children traditionally excluded from, and under-represented in, STEM fields.”

Play Africa’s “I am a Scientist” programme is made possible by a grant from 3M, a science, technology and manufacturing company based in St. Paul, MN, USA. 3M recently announced a new global, education-focused goal to advance economic equity by creating five million unique STEM and skilled trades learning experiences for underrepresented individuals by the end of 2025. 

Naresh Sanjith, 3M Country Leader South Africa & Sub Saharan Africa, is championing the partnership and says, “Looking at the impact this project has the potential to make around the country, 3M is fully supportive of this effort. With so many communities isolated and in need of developing new skills, Play Africa & 3M can help meet a critical demand in underserved communities that have little or no access to literacy resources – a situation made even more dire in the wake of COVID-19.”

“Our partnership with Play Africa on their “I am a Scientist” programme represents another step towards advancing Science Technology Engineering & Maths [STEM] opportunities for children and students in Soweto and the greater Johannesburg. It also signifies the commitment we both share in fostering global citizenship and help improving lives around the world.”

“I am a Scientist” has received additional support from Rand Merchant Bank and Constitution Hill.

“Together with our partners, we’re helping children learn that they can be changemakers,” said Wilson-Prangley. “Children are full citizens in our society, and we’re helping them learn skills today to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. We want children to know that science is all around them, wherever they are, and that a lifelong passion for science can be ignited anywhere.”