As the director of the Acornhoek Institute for Science and Technology, which he helped build from scratch, Sibusiso Mdhluli, 29, is responsible for overseeing the planning, execution and evaluation of all projects, ensuring that they align with the institute’s goals of promoting science, technology, engineering and maths education and digital skills training in rural areas. He helps to develop new projects to support high schools and to provide digital skills training for unemployed youths. He also works with other organisations, educational institutions and community groups and raises funds for projects. Sibusiso is instrumental in organising science clubs at local schools, maths competitions, summer school for grade 11 pupils and web-development bootcamps. Sibusiso says that growing up in a rural area, he faced problems of limited resources and information. “These experiences instilled in me an understanding of the obstacles young people face and this fuelled my determination to make a difference.”
BSc Honours in Astrophysics and Space Science, University of Cape Town.
BSc Chemistry Physics, North-West University.
Successful Fundraising: I have successfully raised funds to support our various projects, enabling us to run impactful programmes that focus on science and maths education in rural high schools. This financial support has been crucial in providing the necessary resources and opportunities for students.
Educational Impact: Through our programmes, many high school students from rural areas have improved their proficiency in science and maths. This support has opened doors for these students, with many now attending tertiary institutions and some having graduated. These accomplishments highlight the tangible benefits of our involvement, particularly in communities where educational resources are limited.
Community Contribution: My greatest achievement is witnessing the growth and impact of the institute, which we built from scratch. Our initiatives have made significant contributions to the community, addressing educational disparities and fostering a culture of learning and development. The ongoing success and expansion of our projects continue to enhance the lives of many individuals in our rural areas.
Most of our work can be seen on our Facebook page on this link: https://www.facebook.com/Acornhoekinstitute.