Our Mission

The Role of Ulum Labs in Advancing STEM Education in South Africa

South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030 identifies science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as essential to building an innovative, inclusive economy. Yet, many learners still experience science as abstract or inaccessible. A shortage of hands on materials, limited laboratory space, and uneven teacher training contribute to this gap,  particularly in under resourced communities.

To truly spark innovation, STEM must feel tangible, playful, and connected to real life. Learners need tools that invite curiosity and empower them to explore.

The Importance of STEM in the Curriculum

STEM education is central to South Africa’s curriculum reform efforts, including the Three Stream Curriculum Model and the Digital Skills for All initiative, which integrate coding, robotics, and technology literacy from early grades.

Beyond content, STEM develops critical thinking, creativity, and problem solving. These are skills essential for participation in a rapidly changing world. But these skills can only take root through experiential learning that encourages learners to build, test, question, and discover for themselves.

Ulum Labs’ Contribution

Ulum Labs exists to make hands on science accessible, exciting, and inclusive for every child. Our STEM kits transform classrooms, homes, and after school programs into spaces of exploration and imagination, turning learning into a memorable adventure.

Each Ulum Labs product is designed to:

  • Reinforce CAPS aligned learning outcomes through engaging, inquiry based experiments.

  • Use locally sourced, high quality materials that are affordable and sustainable.

  • Encourage creativity and confidence in young scientists through open ended discovery.

  • Support teachers and parents with clear guides and extension ideas that build understanding.

Our growing range includes:

  • Curated Kits – Ready to go kits with detailed guides and materials. Available in two versions:

    • Core – Essential experiments that deliver full learning value.

    • Explorer – Expanded kits with additional activities for deeper exploration.

  • Tinker Boxes – Open ended kits focused on themes like motion, mechanics, chemistry, and geology designed to inspire creative problem solving and hands on experimentation.

Alignment with National Goals

Ulum Labs directly supports South Africa’s educational priorities by:

  • Advancing STEM literacy at primary and intermediate levels.

  • Promoting inclusive, equitable access to quality science experiences.

  • Supporting teacher empowerment with resources that integrate smoothly into the classroom.

  • Encouraging innovation and problem solving in alignment with national science and technology strategies.

By making science hands on and joyful, Ulum Labs contributes to the long-term vision of a generation equipped with both the skills and the imagination to drive South Africa forward.

Call to Partnership

Ulum Labs invites collaboration with schools, NGOs and community initiatives to expand the reach of experiential STEM learning.

Together, we can ignite curiosity, close opportunity gaps, and cultivate the next generation of thinkers, creators, and innovators because every big discovery starts with a spark.