Meet the changemakers: Wadzanayi and Michelle, inspiring the next generation of engineers and tech leaders.
When two Zimbabwean women in STEM decided to rewrite the story of engineering for African children, they did more than just publish books. Michelle Rutendo Sibongile Maphosa and Wadzanayi Kim Bwanya were planting a seed of imagination. They wanted this seed to grow across the entire continent.
Michelle is a civil engineer and project manager who spent years on construction sites. She noticed that many young people, especially girls, believed that science was not for them. Wadzanayi, a creative education specialist, shared this deep concern. Together, they founded STEMexplorerz. This social enterprise uses storytelling to make STEM accessible, relatable, and proudly African.
Innovation Through Localisation
At the heart of this initiative is Sibo the Engineer. Sibo is a bright African girl who loves to build things and ask questions. What makes this project innovative is its focus on “learning through localisation.” The creators use familiar environments and local names to explain complex topics.
For example, lessons on chemical engineering are taught through stories about water treatment works. A story about construction is set in a local town where children actually interact with building sites. This approach aligns with Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 philosophy. This philosophy focuses on community service, innovation, and industrialisation. Sibo’s stories link engineering with real-world problem-solving in a way children can touch and feel.
Learning Made Lively and Entertaining
Beyond the classroom, Sibo the Engineer offers a world of color and curiosity. Every book and animation episode is designed to entertain while it educates. The stories feature rhythmic dialogue and a distinctly African sense of humor. Children between the ages of 3 and 12 relate to Sibo because she is inquisitive and playful.
The project also features a dedicated YouTube channel. Animated episodes bring the books to life and turn passive learning into active exploration. This content serves as a refreshing alternative to imported cartoons. It reflects local realities and helps children recognize that innovation is inherited, not just imported.
A Growing Pan-African Movement
What began as a simple idea has now evolved into a Pan-African movement. Today, the program is implemented across nine different countries. Several major organizations support the initiative, including the Royal Academy of Engineering (UK). These partnerships help shape the next generation of African engineers one story at a time.
The team is currently translating the books into other African languages, such as Shona and Swahili. This ensures that even more children can see themselves in STEM. By merging formal education with informal storytelling, Sibo is changing how children see the world.
Watch Sibo, the engineer here: https://sibo.stemexplorerz.co.zw/watch/