Dr Moleboheng Mokhele, a senior lecturer at North-West University in South Africa, has embarked on a journey to make STEM education accessible to children from an early age. Her path to entrepreneurship began with concerns as a mother, when her two sons experienced speech and language delays. This curiosity led her to explore how children learn, communicate, and make sense of the world. Mokhele's background is in plant pathology and microbiology, but she pursued a PhD in natural sciences education to better understand the learning process.
Mokhele's work focuses on STEM education, self-directed learning, and innovation. She has developed an educational innovation called the Renewable Rangers Educational Carpet Game. This game aims to introduce children to STEM, renewable energy, sustainability, and problem-solving while reflecting African identities, languages, and experiences. The game is designed to engage children through play, stories, movement, culture, and the world around them. By making STEM accessible and fun, Mokhele hopes to inspire a new generation of scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers.
The significance of Mokhele's project lies in its potential to bridge the gap between academic research and community engagement. Her experience has shown her that research can move beyond academic publication to reach families, teachers, and communities. Through Warinova (Pty) Ltd, Mokhele is working to turn her idea into a sustainable enterprise. This journey has required her to acquire new skills, including knowledge of intellectual property, manufacturing, markets, pricing, and building a sustainable business.
Mokhele's work has garnered international recognition and opportunities. In 2025, she was a research fellow at the Swiss Distance University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland and a visiting scholar at the University of Idaho in the United States. Her achievements have also been acknowledged locally, with awards such as the Top 60 Young Scientist in South Africa in 2024 and North-West University's Innovation and Intellectual Property Award in 2025.
Mokhele's passion for STEM education is driven by her desire to empower children to see themselves as capable of understanding science and creating solutions. Her work is ultimately about helping children imagine themselves as scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers. By making STEM accessible and fun, Mokhele hopes to inspire a new generation of leaders who can address the complex challenges facing their communities.
Mokhele's journey has also taught her the importance of humility and curiosity. As a mother, she says her children continue to remind her to remain curious, humble, and hopeful. Her experience has shown her that research can be a powerful tool for positive change, but it requires collaboration, innovation, and a willingness to learn.
Today, Mokhele continues to work on her educational innovation, seeking to expand its reach and impact. Her story serves as an inspiration to young scientists, entrepreneurs, and educators, demonstrating the potential for research and innovation to drive positive change in communities. With her work, Mokhele is helping to shape the next generation of leaders in STEM education and beyond.
Key points
- Dr Moleboheng Mokhele developed the Renewable Rangers Educational Carpet Game to introduce children to STEM and sustainability.
- Mokhele's work has garnered international recognition, including research fellowships in Switzerland and the United States.
- Her journey has taught her the importance of humility, curiosity, and collaboration in driving positive change through research and innovation.
