Growing up in the semirural town of Mahlabathini, a 16-year-old Bathabile Mpofu had aspirations of becoming a doctor – but it wasn’t to be.

A lack of access to basic science equipment and chemicals in the town, south of Durban, deprived her of that dream.

Now Mpofu, 38, is determined to ensure other children don’t suffer the same fate. She wants to give children the opportunity to reach for their dreams and explore the world of science...