•Henkel South Africa hosted its second Forscherwelt (Researchers’ World) Day, introducing 35 children from Almond Tree, Children of Promise to the world of science through fun, hands-on discovery
•Forscherwelt is a global STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education programme that has already reached more than 115,000 children across the world – now running for the second time in South Africa.
•Henkel South Africa once again partnered with Play Africa, Johannesburg’s pioneering children’s museum, to deliver engaging, inclusive and age-appropriate sessions that brought science to life for young learners.
•Henkel South Africa continues its investment in future generations through Researchers’ World, using hands-on STEM education to inspire curiosity, critical thinking and a lifelong interest in science among young learners.
Johannesburg, August 20, 2026 – Following the success of its inaugural South African programme in 2025, Henkel South Africa has brought its global STEM education initiative, Researchers’ World, back to the country. The programme gave 35 learners aged eight to 10 from Children of Promise, the school arm of The Almond Tree in Johannesburg, a day of practical science experiments, including the memorable baking soda volcano, bouncing ball, paper chromatography colour separation and slime-making activities facilitated by Play Africa.
The event took place during a milestone year for Henkel South Africa as the organisation celebrates 75 years in South Africa and 150 years globally, alongside 15 years of Forscherwelt (Researchers’ World) worldwide. Together, these milestones reflect Henkel’s long-standing heritage of science, research and innovation, as well as its continued investment in future generations. Since its 2011 launch, the programme has reached around 115,000 children globally in more than 20 countries. This year’s event ran under the global theme Being Like A Researcher encouraging children to think, explore and experiment the way real scientists do.
“As Henkel South Africa celebrates 75 years in the country, alongside Henkel’s 150 -year global legacy and 15-years of Researchers World, this initiative reflects who we are as an organisation. Built on science, research and innovation, we believe that investing in young minds today helps shape the innovators of tomorrow,” said Natasha Naidoo, Director of Henkel Adhesive Technologies South Africa. “Researchers’ World gives learners the opportunity to experience science in a practical and engaging way, encouraging curiosity, exploration and critical thinking. Early exposure to STEM helps build essential skills and confidence, laying the foundation for a lifelong interest in science and inspiring the next generation of innovators.”
The Almond Tree NGO supports children from a care-based community environment, including those in its temporary place of safety and foster homes, alongside day scholars from the surrounding community. Its independent school, Children of Promise, was established in 2021 and currently serves learners from grade 1-6. Participants were selected by year group, supported by experienced Play Africa educators and five Henkel employee volunteers, who guided learners under the educators’ supervision.
“Partnering with Henkel South Africa for Forscherwelt allows us to bring high-quality, hands-on STEM learning directly to young learners in a way that feels playful, accessible, and inspiring,” said Mfanafuthi Mbongwe, CEO, Play Africa. “By encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and real-world exploration early on, we are helping children build the confidence and foundational skills they need to navigate the future. We are thrilled to celebrate Henkel’s milestone anniversaries together while empowering the next generation of South African innovators and problem-solvers.”
This year’s programme built on last year’s successful, overwhelmingly positive response, adapted the activities for a slightly older age group and placing greater emphasis on the “why” behind each experiment. The learners were encouraged to deeper observation, questioning and critical thinking rather than experiments alone.
Learners were treated to an exciting mix of discovery and creativity, while being encouraged to stay curious, ask questions. They actively explored as they experimented with basic chemistry and material properties, while building problem-solving skills through hands-on fun.
The initiative reflects on Henkel South Africa’s purpose Pioneers at heart for the good of generations,” and its heritage as an organisation built on research and innovation. It also comes at a time of renewed national focus on introducing mathematics and science at an early age. *South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation has highlighted the importance of exposing children to STEM activities during the foundational years, helping them engage with these important gateway subjects from an early age. *
Henkel South Africa aims to establish Researchers’ World as an annual initiative in South Africa and expand its reach to more schools over time. By continuing to inspire curiosity, confidence and a passion for discovery among young learners, the programme reinforces Henkel South Africa’s to investing in future generations while helping inspire South Africa’s next generation of scientists, innovators and problem-solvers.
*https://www.education.gov.za/ArchivedDocuments/ArchivedArticles/STEMSkillsDevelopment.aspx
*https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideoq=Aligning+STEM+with+foundational+learning&mid=55530FE9CC51D815173855530FE9CC51D8151738&churl=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fchannel%2fUClPn7-znIT2j4Ai4UcXrrWg&FORM=VIRE
About Henkel
With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses. The business unit Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the market for adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. With Consumer Brands, the company holds leading positions especially in laundry & home care and hair in many markets and categories around the world. The company’s three strongest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. In fiscal 2023, Henkel reported sales of more than 21.5 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 2.6 billion euros. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. Sustainability has a long tradition at Henkel, and the company has a clear sustainability strategy with specific targets. Henkel was founded in 1876 and today employs a diverse team of about 50,000 people worldwide – united by a strong corporate culture, shared values and a common purpose: “Pioneers at heart for the good of generations.” More information at www.henkel.com Photo material is available at www.henkel.com/press
About Henkel South Africa
Henkel in South Africa was established in 1951 and has since grown with almost 200 employees. In South Africa, Henkel operates one plant for Adhesive Technology products in Johannesburg and three offices in Bedfordview (Johannesburg), Alrode (Johannesburg), and Durban and Henkel in South Africa covers both global business units: Consumer Brands and Adhesive Technologies. In line with the company’s focus on innovation and customization, Henkel South Africa offers locally relevant leading products that cater to the country’s specific needs and position Henkel as a key player, particularly with top brands in textured hair care such as Got2b Glued and Consumer Adhesives such as Pritt – the leading glue stick brand with Henkel South Africa being in the top 3 of most Pritt sticks sold globally – as well as customized Adhesive products for the automotive, mining and cementing industry. In 2007, the Henkel South Africa team collaborated with a local NGO to build a center for children and created a space for early learning and development to give back to those in need. Through donations and volunteer work from Henkel employees and Henkel South Africa, 120 children from ages three to five every year now have a place to learn at Tamaho Early Learning & Development Center, Katlehong, Johannesburg. A second building is currently being established that will allow an additional 120 children each year to access a learning environment.