How Merck Is Bringing STEM Education to Thousands of South African Students

As South Africa looks to strengthen its future workforce, inspiring young people to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is becoming increasingly important.

A mobile science laboratory is helping bring that opportunity directly into classrooms.

From 25 May to 9 June, more than 1,200 students from Trinityhouse Schools in Little Falls, Glen Vista and Centurion took part in Merck’s Curiosity Cube™ programme in Johannesburg, experiencing hands-on science activities designed to make STEM learning more accessible and engaging.

The Curiosity Cube™, a mobile science lab developed by Merck, allows students to take part in interactive experiments while engaging directly with scientists and industry professionals.

The initiative formed part of Merck’s international tour, which aims to encourage curiosity and introduce students to potential careers in science and technology.

The programme also marked Youth Day in South Africa, with students from Alex and Tembisa visiting Merck’s Johannesburg facility on 11 and 18 June for additional STEM-focused experiences.

During the visits, students participated in three interactive experiments exploring concepts linked to synthetic biology, including how enzymes function, how DNA influences traits and behaviours, and how scientists can manipulate genes to develop solutions to real-world challenges.

Using learning tools such as Cubelets and magnetic puzzles, students were introduced to complex scientific concepts through practical activities rather than traditional classroom learning alone.

The sessions were led by Merck employees and volunteers, giving students access to professionals who could share real-world insights into STEM careers.

“Hands-on STEM experiences can change the trajectory of a person’s life,” says Jennifa Mohale, Curiosity Cube™ Coordinator at Merck. “The Curiosity Cube™ brings those moments of tangible inspiration to students and communities all over the world.”

The programme comes at a time when many industries are experiencing growing demand for science and technology skills.

A survey conducted by Merck found that 48% of students aged between eight and 13 struggle to imagine themselves becoming scientists, despite interacting with STEM-related activities in everyday life.

According to the World Economic Forum, an additional 23 million STEM graduates will be needed globally by 2030 to meet demand in growing science and technology fields.

For organisations and educators, early exposure is increasingly viewed as a key part of addressing this gap. Providing students with relatable role models and practical experiences can help them see science as a possible career path rather than an abstract subject.

The Curiosity Cube™ forms part of Merck’s SPARK™ global volunteer programme, which focuses on employee-led initiatives that support communities and education.

Since launching in 2017, the Curiosity Cube™ has reached more than 286,000 visitors across 20 countries in the United States, Canada, Europe and Southern Africa.

In 2025 alone, more than 2,000 Merck employee volunteers and university partners helped educate over 56,000 students globally through the programme, including sessions focused on topics such as artificial intelligence, sustainability and the human microbiome.

This year’s Southern African tour includes stops in Botswana, Zambia, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia, expanding access to STEM learning opportunities across the region.

According to Mohale, the impact goes beyond teaching scientific concepts.

“You can see students’ confidence grow as they move through each station,” she says. “They’re discovering that they belong in these spaces and that their ideas matter.”

As South Africa continues to focus on developing future skills and expanding access to science education, initiatives like the Curiosity Cube™ highlight the role that early experiences can play in shaping the next generation of innovators.