Henkel a leading German multinational, and renowned manufacturer of WAW and Nittol detergent in partnership with the Girls and Women’s Technological Empowerment Organization, successfully organized an enriching end-of-session Researchers’ World activity on August 2nd, 2023, for two select primary schools in Ibadan, Oyo State reaching fifty-one pupils.
The event aimed to foster educational development, empower young minds, and champion science-oriented pedagogy. The completion of this event marked a milestone for the company as they crossed the threshold of empowering over 1000 children since the inception of the program in November 2021.
Researchers’ World made its debut in, Nigeria, emerging as a beacon of educational enrichment. Beginning modestly in Oyo state, the initiative initially served 20 pupils, who became the inaugural beneficiaries of its vision. By November 2022, the influence of Researchers’ World had reached the vibrant city of Lagos, amplified its impact and reinforced its unwavering dedication to spreading knowledge far and wide. Within a year, this expansion bore witness to astonishing growth, marking a significant milestone as over 1000 pupils have reaped the benefits of this initiative, with the numbers continuing to rise.
Budding scholars from Peoples Basic School Ring Road and CAC Primary School, Olugbode, engaged in transformative sessions spearheaded by GWTEO alongside Henkel volunteers. The science training focused on creating a stimulating environment where students were encouraged to explore various scientific concepts and engage in exciting hands-on experiments, fostering a passion for science from an early age. During some of the experiments undertaken the youngsters learned to make their own adhesives and test various classes of food for the presence of starch.
Mr. Rajat Kapur, Managing Director of Henkel Nigeria, reinforced the organization’s commitment to empowering students through science training, stating, “At Henkel, we strongly believe in the power of education and innovation, and we are committed to playing an active role in nurturing young talents and sparking their interest in science. Through interactive and fun-filled activities, we hope to inspire the next generation of scientists and inventors”.
Throughout the session, the students were exposed to various educational workshops, interactive sessions, and hands-on activities that encouraged critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. The Girls and Women’s Technological Empowerment Organization, known for its dedication to empowering girls and young women in STEM fields, particularly emphasized the importance of gender equality in education and the opportunities available in the science and technology sector.
The headteacher of Peoples Basic Primary School expressed delight in the outcomes of the training and commended Henkel Nigeria for their initiative in organizing such a beneficial activity for the students. He stated, “We are grateful to Henkel Nigeria for providing our students with this unique opportunity. The activities were engaging, and we believe they will have a positive impact on the children’s educational journey.”
Echoing similar sentiments Damilola Asaleye, Chief Operating Officer of the Girl’s and Women’s Technological Empowerment Organization, shared, “Witnessing this palpable zest among students has been exhilarating. Our goal is to empower and encourage young minds to pursue careers in science, technology, and engineering. This session allowed us to showcase the endless possibilities that science offers”.
Henkel Nigeria is dedicated to contributing positively to the communities it operates in and believes that investing in education is vital for the sustainable development of society. By hosting this end-of-session activity event, Henkel aims to impact the student’s academic journey and inspire them to pursue careers in science-related fields.
Chidera Akwuba, Henkel Nigeria’s Transformation and PAG Manager, expressed great delight. In her words, “The Researchers’ world initiative has proven to be adequate to the cause it was postulated for. In years to come, we look forward to seeing innovations and scientific revolutions from these young pupils who are beneficiaries of this initiative even as we look towards expanding to other states”.
Henkel Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to societal upliftment, recognizing the pivotal role of education. By hosting this end-of-session activity, we exemplify our intent which is: molding scientific minds and inspiring a future awash with scientific vocations.
About Henkel Nigeria:
About Henkel
With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses. The Adhesive Technologies business unit is global leader in the market for adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings. With Consumer Brands, the company holds leading positions especially in hair care and laundry & home care in many markets and categories around the world. The company’s three strongest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. In fiscal 2022, Henkel reported sales of more than 22 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 2.3 billion euros. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. Sustainability has a long tradition at Henkel, and the company has a clear sustainability strategy with specific targets. Henkel was founded in 1876 and today employs a diverse team of more than 50,000 people worldwide – united by a strong corporate culture, culture, shared values and a common purpose: “Pioneers at heart for the good of generations.” More information at www.henkel.com
