Beyond Africa Scientifique Programme
Alumni Spotlight: Delivering Public Engagement and Outreach Activities
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Discover highlights from the Africa Scientifique Programme Alumni Spotlight and learn how alumni continue to take mathematical sciences beyond the lecture halls. Through public engagement and outreach, they are making a meaningful difference in their communities, bringing mathematics to life, showing why it matters more than ever, empowering African communities, and inspiring the next generation of mathematical scientists.
Africa Scientifique 2022-2025 Alumni Showcase Science at the National Science Week Launch 2025
Africa Scientifique 2022-2025 Alumni Showcase Science at the National Science Week Launch 2025
On 2 August 2025, a group of AIMS Master’s Students and Alumni joined over 100 exhibitors from universities, research councils, science centres, government departments and industry partners at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) to celebrate the launch of this year’s National Science Week (NSW).
NSW is an annual flagship initiative of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation, designed to bridge the gap between science and society and foster innovation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) across South Africa. The NSW 2025 theme was “Science, technology and innovation are for everyone”.
Representing AIMS were current students and Africa Scientifique programme 2023 & 2025 Alumni Ms Sophy Kgoahla, Ms Morongwa Ralefeta, Ms Tsiry Meva Sisih Rakotondratoetra, Ms Marry Thekhwe, alongside alumni Mr Ndivhuwo Mphephu and Ms Promise Mathebula (both now working at Standard Bank). The AIMS exhibition was unique, as it was the sole stand dedicated to mathematics.
➡️Read more HERE
Africa Scientifique Alumni at 2022 National Science Week Launch - July 31, 2022
Africa Scientifique Alumni at 2022 National Science Week Launch - July 31, 2022
Everlyn Chimoto, a PhD student and 2021 AS Alumna, showcased her science communication Lugha Yetu (Izilimi Zethu) project at the 2022 South Africa National Science Week (NSW) launch. Held at Mangosuthu University of Technology’s Umlazi Campus, the event was inaugurated by Minister Dr. Blade Nzimande.
Everlyn engaged attendees with hands-on activities like Origami, making science accessible to learners, teachers, and the public.
A parent at the event shared, “Angizazi izibalo kodwa ngifuna ukufunda ukuze ngifundise ingane yami” (“I don’t know mathematics, but I want to learn so I can teach my child”).
Reflecting on her experience, Everlyn said,
“My experience at NSW was definitely not what I expected. We prepared materials on machine learning, NLP, and Artificial Intelligence, but the students found it challenging to connect with these concepts. Instead, the audience enjoyed learning about Geometry and Topology through our demonstrations. Overall, NSW was a valuable opportunity to learn how to communicate research to a lay audience."
Africa Scientifique Alumni Ignites STEM Dreams at Career Expo - May 25, 2023
Africa Scientifique Alumni Ignites STEM Dreams at Career Expo - May 25, 2023
Joseph Muthui Wacira, AIMS Master’s Student in Data Science and 2021 Africa Scientifique Alumni inspiring over 500 learners Muizenberg High School learners to explore diverse career paths in mathematics at the Muizenberg Library Career Expo.
“I was very intrigued and interested in AIMS. They taught me to believe in my dreams, to see the importance of math, and how I can pursue my goals,” shared Joshua, a student attendee.
Reflecting on the event, Joseph noted, “Interacting with the staff and students made me nostalgic about my high school years. This event offered students a great opportunity to learn about STEM, and it was well received. The enthusiastic response highlights the need for such events in South Africa and across Africa."
➡️Read more HERE
“This event gave me an opportunity to engage with people from different sectors and institutions, and it required me to reflect a lot on the lessons that I learnt during the African-Scientifique workshop, especially on utilizing my science communication skills. Most of the people that I met who are in the academia space were curious about my AIMS research, which required me to be explain complex concepts and make them simple while maintaining their original meaning. As someone who has always had a stage fright, at first I was stressed about being in the public space for too long, but as time went by I gained my confidence, this experience boosted my self confidence in public engagement.”
Sophy Kgoahla – AIMS South Africa Master’s Student
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