Thulile Khanyile

Youth in Academia & Education

Nominee's Province:
Gauteng

Age:
33

Project Name/Description:
Nka’Thuto EduPropeller

More info:
https://www.instagram.com/2llyfuthi/?hl=en

Thulile Khanyile, a 33-year-old scientist, academic and entrepreneur who is based in Johannesburg, refuses to believe that those on the margins of society have no urgency to create solutions that improve their conditions. She’s a co-founder of Nka’Thuto EduPropeller, an non-government organisation that champions an approach to education embedded on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Learners are empowered to become independent thinkers, leaders of society and entrepreneurs who create inclusive innovations that are applicable in a technology-driven world. “We bring technology and innovation to school playgrounds of previously disadvantaged communities, townships and rural areas,” says Khanyile. “We equip participants with tools to identify, research and develop their own solutions of value using the STEM concept in their communities. Knowledge acquired outside the classroom contributes to learning and should not be sidelined.” The programme also exposes participants to a network of predominantly black, young STEM professionals who act as role models. For Khanyile, the sciences are a bedrock. “The sciences are life and they are the coolest and most relevant careers today. Just know what problem you want to solve with the sciences so you can achieve your purpose in life.”