Through bi-monthly coding and robotics workshops and fun school holiday programmes, the Woodhurst Library has empowered disadvantaged learners to consider careers in science, tech and maths – earning a coveted EIFL Public Library Innovation Award!
Durban, South Africa (27 January 2026) – Woodhurst Public Library in Durban has been named one of four global winners of the 19th EIFL Public Library Innovation Award for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).
This prestigious accolade follows the success of the library’s STEM Makers digital skills programme, where over 90% of participating children from under-resourced areas expressed a newfound interest in pursuing careers in science and technology.
Between 2023 and 2025, Woodhurst Library collaborated with partners and nine branch libraries across District 8 to host bi-monthly coding and robotics workshops, alongside engaging school holiday programmes. By 2025, these initiatives successfully reached 450 learners.
“Recognising the gap in STEM exposure, we introduced robotics activities and unplugged coding (in which children learn about computer programming through practical games, without using computers) and robotics activities,” explains Librarian Nomalungelo Hazel Ngcobo, head of Woodhurst Public Library.
“We followed up with the formation of STEM clubs and makerspaces in branch libraries. These initiatives are designed to make science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) relatable and hands-on.”
Beyond the library’s provision of a tablet, laptops, micro: bit kits and free Wi-Fi, a key feature of the STEM Makers programme is the use of recyclable and low-cost materials – such as cardboard, plastic bottles and scrap electronics – for prototyping, making STEM accessible and environmentally conscious.
Educational activities include unplugged coding and robotics sessions, scientific experiments and project-based learning to apply theoretical knowledge, maths games, model-making, as well as various innovation challenges.
By partnering with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, and Tangible Africa, the library has been able to create inclusive, engaging environments that foster curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning. This ultimately demystifies science and mathematics, and empowers youth to pursue STEM careers and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Teachers have already noted improved academic performance among coding club participants, while the learners themselves report greater problem-solving skills and newfound confidence in using technology that was once out of reach.
Now that is an impact certainly worthy of an innovation award in our books. Here’s to inspiring young minds to dream big and look far beyond their circumstances.
Sources: Supplied
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:
Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 