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BASF Kids’ Lab inspires young minds in South Africa
A class of eight- to thirteen-year-olds from the Aruka Foundation, in Boksburg, South Africa, uncovered the power of science through a fun experiment with BASF colleagues.
Thanks to a joint effort by BASF’s North American African American Employee Resource Group (AAEG), the Leadership Development Program (LDP), Chemetall (the surface treatment global business unit of BASF’s Coatings division), and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), a class of students discovered the magic of chemistry through BASF’s first-ever Kids’ Lab held in South Africa.
This initiative was spearheaded by Michelle Rukeyser, current participant of BASF’s Leadership Development Program and AAEG member since 2023. The LDP gives participants hands-on experience across multiple BASF business units, fostering collaboration and driving impact. As part of her six-month rotation with Chemetall, Michelle partnered with AAEG’s Global Impact Committee and the LDP University Recruitment team to bring this vision to life.
Working alongside BASF colleagues in South Africa and the local NSBE chapter, Michelle organized a Kids’ Lab at the Aruka Foundation in Boksburg, where a class of 30 students explored chemistry through a fun, hands-on experiment. Using simple materials like pens, coffee filters, popsicle sticks and water, the students created chromatography butterflies, uncovering the hidden colors in ink and blending art with science.
This collaboration is bringing real impact to the community of Boksburg—sparking curiosity, inspiring young minds, and igniting a passion for chemistry in the next generation. I'm especially grateful to AAEG’s Global Impact Committee for making this possible and for supporting efforts that empower youth through science and education across borders.
BASF’s AAEG Global Impact Committee
BASF’s African American Employee Group (AAEG) created a Global Impact Committee, “to connect AAEG to other BASF sites outside of North America, make an impact in other regions, and bring chemistry to children in the regions we serve,” explains Mayeana Kamara, co-chair of the committee.
As part of this mission, the AAEG partnered with the LDP to identify opportunities for global engagement. Michelle’s assignment in South Africa was a perfect match, allowing her to build local connections and organize BASF’s first Kids’ Lab in the country.
This Kids’ Lab is the committee’s second successful activity for kids in the region, with the first one being held in Ghana in 2024.
Sparking a passion for chemistry at all ages
Kids’ Lab is just one of the many BASF programs designed to spark interest in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) among young people.
Each year, BASF hosts hundreds of activities across North America and around the world to inspire the next generation of problem solvers.
Published on December 11, 2025, by Mariana Licio.
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