Chemistry Crossing Borders: the first Arabic workshop of the year takes place in London

On the 6th of March, just ahead of British Science Week, Arabic-speaking pupils from Reay Primary School and Herbert Morrison Primary School in Lambeth experienced first-hand some of the activities scientists carry out in their everyday lives. With the support of Oval Learning, a small non-profit organisation helping schools expand their extracurricular offerings, 4 scientists engaged the children in fun and exciting chemical science experiments in Arabic. Talking about the experience, Reham Aldakhil, Arabic coordinator in London and PhD student at Imperial College London, said “Collaborating with scientists from leading universities to deliver their expertise to our community's children has been an enriching experience. Together, we're bridging the gap between academia and schools, igniting curiosity within young minds, and making an impact on shaping tomorrow's innovators through engaging science workshops in their own language.”

Lambeth’s diverse community perfectly represents London's multiculturality. The primary schools involved in the workshop had the chance to offer their Arabic-speaking pupils an opportunity to connect with scientists who share their cultural heritage and language. Arabic is the latest language added to the SMC portfolio, and our Arabic Coordinators are working hard to connect younger generations with role models that could inspire their future. Talking about the project, Hania Tayara, SMC Programme Lead for Arabic and the UK, says “it’s such a privilege to work with our inspiring Arabic coordinators, who are shaping and growing the programme and our community with their passion, hard work, and commitment to sparking curiosity in the next generation of scientists ”

The first Arabic Native workshop of the year is part of the Chemistry Crossing Borders series, funded by the Royal Society of Chemistry. If you are an Arabic-speaking scientist or university student, you can inspire the next generation by volunteering your time and sharing your passion for science. To learn more, please email hania.tayara@nativescientists.org or register to volunteer here.

About Native Scientists

Founded in 2013, Native Scientists is a pan-European non-profit organisation connecting underserved children and scientists. It exists to broaden children's horizons, promoting scientific literacy and reducing inequalities through science outreach educational programmes.