Evanah Serumola, a pioneering and emerging leader in Botswana, has dared to disrupt the way young students learn in Africa through her educational smart board games which she hopes will revolutionise Africa’s education system as it relates to Stem subjects.
A science teacher by profession, Serumola is holder of a Chemistry degree. She is the founder and innovative director of EduSmart, an EdTech company focused on enhancing Stem education through cutting-edge solutions. She is recognised for her contributions to the fields of creativity, innovation, and technology.
“My qualifications as a Chemistry degree holder bring a specialised understanding of scientific principles to the table. This academic background not only lends credibility to my venture but also ensures that the Stem content in my board games is accurate and aligned with educational standards. It reflects my commitment to excellence in promoting science education, making my startup a trusted resource for both educators and students”, said Serumola
With advanced certifications from Botswana Innovation Hub and the University of Botswana Business Accelerator programme, she has transformed the Stem education landscape both in her country and beyond its borders.
The emerging young leader, who is multi-lingual and proficient in Shona, has interacted with several Zimbabweans during the course of her work in recent years, she emphasised her unwavering commitment and deep rooted passion in using innovative educational tools to bridge gaps in Stem education, particularly in underrepresented communities.
She is committed to empowering young learners, especially girls, by making Stem subjects more accessible, engaging, and effective. Through her work with EduSmart, she strives to create sustainable, technology-driven solutions that inspire a new generation of science enthusiasts.
Her "I AM SMART" board game addresses the persistent challenge of low Stem proficiency among primary and secondary school learners in Botswana and neighboring region.
“Despite the growing demand for Stem skills in the global workforce, many students struggle with understanding and engaging with Stem subjects, leading to high failure rates and a lack of interest in pursuing further studies or careers in these fields. The "I AM SMART" board game is a revolutionary educational tool that simplifies and gamifies the Stem curriculum, making learning both fun and effective. It combines the tactile experience of a traditional board game with innovative learning strategies to reinforce Stem concepts, promote critical thinking, and enhance problem-solving skills. The game is designed to be interactive, collaborative, and adaptable, ensuring that it caters to different learning styles and levels of understanding. The primary beneficiaries of the "I AM SMART" board game are students in primary and secondary schools who struggle with Stemsubjects. The initiative also seeks to benefit educators by providing them with a powerful tool to make Stem teaching more engaging and impactful. Additionally, it aims to empower young girls and underrepresented groups in Stem helping to close the gender gap and promote diversity in science and technology fields”
Serumola stated that her achievements through EduSmart included successfully blending entertainment with education, providing a unique approach to learning has also gotten her clients beyond her home country of Botswana resulting in increased student engagement and improved retention of Stem knowledge.
Serumola added “the positive impact on the educational landscape positions my startup as a catalyst for change in how we approach Stem education”.
In summary, my startup's benefits include enhanced Stem learning experiences, increased student engagement, and a positive impact on education. Achievements involve successfully merging entertainment with education, and my Chemistry degree contributes both credibility and accuracy to the content of my Stem board games. Together, these elements position my startup as a leader in transforming STEM education in Botswana and globally.
Having attended the Yali (Young African Leaders Initiative) to further develop her leadership skills and gain insights into effective strategies for driving positive change in her community, she hopes to focus more on transformational leadership which aligns with her vision of creating a lasting impact through innovative solutions in Stem education.
Serumola stated that EduSmart was inspired by the need to make Stem education more accessible and engaging for students having recognised how traditional methods often fail to spark interest in Stem subjects. She says the success and feedback from students and educators have reinforced the importance of this mission, motivating her to continue with her innovation in educational approaches.
- Fungayi Antony Sox is the founder and managing partner at TisuMazwi –a consulting, communications, media, and publishing entity based in Harare. He is also an Alumnus of the YALI Regional Leadership Centre for Southern Africa and writes in his personal capacity. For feedback, he can be reached on +263 776 030 949 or at fungayisox@gmail.com.