In celebration of STEM Day on 8 November, RS South Africa highlights the crucial role of STEM education in driving South Africa’s economic growth and equipping youth with skills to thrive in a rapidly advancing technological landscape. Through partnerships with universities and ongoing outreach programmes, RS is dedicated to fostering a passion for STEM among students and preparing them for a variety of career paths.
RS’s support for STEM education centres around collaborations with universities across South Africa. These partnerships enable RS to contribute resources to university-led high school outreach initiatives, providing students with a hands-on introduction to the field of engineering and a real-world glimpse into various career opportunities.
One significant initiative includes high school engagement activities where university students’ mentor younger students in building and coding projects like drones or hovercrafts. “We have university students share their experiences with high schoolers, and the hands-on projects make engineering feel more accessible and exciting,” says Wesley Hood, Education and Social Impact Specialist at RS South Africa. “It’s a powerful blend of mentorship and practical learning that resonates with students.”
Additionally, RS supports university students directly through sponsorship of engineering competitions and workshops. These events allow students to apply for funding for innovative projects, gaining critical hands-on experience and enhancing their employability. Volunteer opportunities also help students strengthen their resumes while contributing to their communities.
Another important aspect of RS’s mission is connecting students globally. The company’s RS DesignSpark platform allows students to showcase their projects, inspiring peers across borders. Through RS DesignSpark, students can post photos, share project explanations, and see what others are doing worldwide, sparking a greater interest in STEM.
RS is also committed to breaking gender stereotypes in engineering. “We are seeing more women enter the field, bringing fresh perspectives, but there is still work to be done. Increasing female participation in engineering remains a priority,” comments Hood.
While many students believe they need to go overseas to find opportunities in engineering, Hood stresses that South Africa has tremendous potential for innovation. “Engineering offers enormous entrepreneurial opportunities. It’s not just about working for corporations; engineering skills enable students to start their own businesses and develop new solutions,” he adds.
From STEM clubs in underprivileged schools to university competitions where students build solar cars and bridges, RS South Africa continues to drive impact. “Every workshop, competition, and partnership is a step toward building a stronger STEM foundation for South Africa,” says Hood.
As technology advances and the demand for engineers grows, STEM education will be essential in shaping the future. “Engineering forms the foundation for these aspirations. With each student we inspire, we are making a small but significant impact toward that future,” concludes Hood.
Discover more about how RS is empowering the next generation of innovators on their website. For ongoing updates, follow them on LinkedIn.
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Author: Samkelisiwe Khumalo from NGAGE Marketing on behalf of RS South Africa.
Ope Adetayo: Ope Adetayo is a Nigerian journalist who has worked for the BBC World Service and the Voice of America. He is
known for his reporting on the African continent.
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