The German company, Henkel, launched its global educational initiative, ‘Forscherwelt,’ in Ibadan, Nigeria, making this a first for the African continent.
Forscherwelt, or “Researchers’ World” is an educational initiative designed to introduce elementary school children to the fascinating world of science through specific learning objectives, further encouraging them to explore the world of science and make research fun.
The Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Nureni Adeniran, while commending Henkel on this African first, welcomed the steps it was taking to assist in the development of future science talents in the state and the country as a whole.
Adeniran said the launch of Forscherwelt demonstrates Henkel’s commitment towards empowering young talents and supporting them to flourish in the communities in which it operates.
Represented by Saheed Aliu, Deputy Director, School Services, SUBEB, Adeniran pledged the support of the state government towards the success of the Forscherwelt programme and he looks forward to it being taken to other schools in the state.
The Director, Administration and Supply of the Oyo State Ministry of Youth and Sport, Alade Bello, said that with the bold step taken by Henkel, the positive effect will show itself in the overall development of the state in years to come.
Bello called for a partnership between Henkel and the ministry in order to come up with more laudable programmes to empower more students.
The Managing Director of Henkel Nigeria, Rajat Kapur, said that the initiative reflects the focal points of Henkel’s research areas and will drive its involvement in community relations.
Kapur said, “Henkel envisions empowering young talents and giving them the support to flourish in their various communities.”
According to him, since the inauguration at Henkel’s Düsseldorf headquarters in April 2011, more than 62,000 children around the world have taken part in Henkel’s Forscherwelt programmes and he looks forward to school children from Nigeria benefiting from the initiative.
The global coordinator of the programme, Dr Ute Krupp, said it was designed for children between the ages of eight to 10 and takes a holistic approach towards teaching and learning by putting children into the role and workplace of an actual researcher.
“The programme is Henkel’s way of contributing to scientific literacy, and it includes teaching units for elementary schools in different settings with teaching materials and training courses developed by educational specialists,” she said.
