STEM Education in Africa

Responsibilities

• Follow host curricula, classroom procedures, safeguarding requirements and educator instructions.
• Use age-appropriate, accurate and locally relevant STEM explanations.
• Prepare experiments, devices and learning materials safely.
• Avoid unsupervised laboratory, electrical or engineering activities.
• Adapt support for different learning levels and available resources.
• Protect learner information and maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Report safeguarding, equipment or safety concerns promptly.

Typical activities

• Support supervised mathematics, science and technology lessons.
• Assist with practical demonstrations, experiments and maker activities.
• Help prepare worksheets, models, learning aids and classroom resources.
• Support introductory coding, robotics or computational-thinking activities.
• Assist with STEM clubs, competitions and school innovation events.
• Help educators organise materials, records and learner-support activities.

A typical placement day

• Begin with a briefing from the host educator on learners, objectives and safeguarding requirements.
• Prepare materials for a morning mathematics, science or technology lesson.
• Support learners during exercises, demonstrations or approved practical activities.
• Assist with an afternoon STEM club, coding session, resource-development task or teacher workshop.
• End by securing equipment, organising records and reviewing learner progress with the host.

Learning outcomes

• Understand how practical STEM learning can support curiosity and problem-solving.
• Learn to assist learners with different abilities and levels of prior knowledge.
• Develop awareness of classroom safety, safeguarding and responsible experiment support.
• Improve communication of scientific and technical concepts.
• Recognise the importance of locally relevant and accessible learning resources.
• Build confidence in structured classroom and club support.

Career benefits

• Provides exposure for students interested in teaching, science, engineering and education technology.
• Builds experience in classroom support, facilitation and practical learning activities.
• Supports career exploration in STEM education, outreach and youth programmes.
• Strengthens evidence of communication, teamwork and safeguarding awareness.
• Develops cross-cultural experience relevant to schools and education organisations.

What hosts expect

• Follow the approved curriculum and host educator's instructions.
• Do not conduct unsafe experiments or technical activities without authorisation.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries and protect learner information.
• Use accurate, age-appropriate explanations and verify uncertain information.
• Respect local teaching methods, school policies and available resources.
• Store equipment and materials safely after every session.

Frequently asked questions