Our origin story
The beginning of Project Kappa.
How one STEM outreach inspired our innovation ecosystem.
Before Project Kappa became our flagship innovation initiative, it began with a simple belief: talent exists everywhere when opportunity does. Our outreach at Otinibi M/A Basic School became the first step in understanding how much more students needed beyond classroom education.
On December 18th, 2024, Early Smile Foundation brought together 91 young learners at Otinibi MA Basic School for an unforgettable outreach under the theme “STEM and Innovation for Young Minds.” What unfolded was more than just a program. It was a day of inspiration, recognition, and discovery that reminded every student present that their dreams are valid and their potential is limitless.
The day began with engaging words of encouragement from our guest speakers, who urged the students to see science and mathematics not as abstract classroom subjects, but as living tools for solving real problems and shaping the future. Mr. Joel introduced the students to the vision and opportunities of AIMS Ghana , showing them how mathematics can open doors to leadership and innovation across Africa. Dr. Edith shared about her field in science, helping the children imagine the possibilities of research and discovery, and inspiring them to think of science as a path they too can follow.
To celebrate effort and fuel ambition, outstanding students were recognized and awarded, igniting a wave of excitement across the school. But the true highlight came when the program shifted into the innovation segment. With science kits provided by Dext Technology the classroom transformed into a hub of exploration. Circuits were built, models moved, and eyes lit up with the realization that the tedious equations and theories they often wrestled with could be turned into something tangible, exciting, and fun. One student, after successfully fixing a circuit and watching her creation come alive, captured the essence of the day: that STEM is not distant or impossible but it is within reach.
Watch the outreach film (opens in a new tab)
The outreach was a powerful reminder that young minds only need opportunity and guidance to flourish. With the combined support of dedicated speakers, partners, and volunteers, the students of Otinibi were not only taught but shown that they can become innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders in their communities.
At Early Smile Foundation, we believe in planting seeds of curiosity, resilience, and creativity in every young person we meet. The smiles, energy, and determination we witnessed at Otinibi will stay with us as proof that when given the right tools and encouragement, Africa’s youth are ready to lead in science, technology, and innovation. This outreach became the foundation upon which Project Kappa was built. Today, that vision continues through mentorship, practical innovation, and a growing community of young Africans committed to solving real challenges.
What we learned.
Students are naturally curious.
When students were invited to explore, ask questions, and build, their curiosity became the strongest force in the room.
Exposure creates belief.
Meeting scientists, innovators, and STEM leaders helped students see that the future they imagined was possible for them too.
Hands-on experiences build confidence.
The moment students built working models, STEM shifted from abstract theory into something they could touch, test, and understand.
Long-term mentorship creates lasting impact.
One-day events are powerful, but continued guidance helps students turn inspiration into skills, projects, and leadership.
From Otinibi to Project Kappa.
- 18 December 2024
Otinibi outreach
STEM exposure and discovery.
- The insight
Students needed more than exposure.
Innovators became role models and mentors through I Too Can Do.
- 2026
Project Kappa
Hands-on innovation and mentorship.
- The future
Innovation ecosystem
Building Africa’s next generation of innovators.
Outreach speakers
People who opened new possibilities.
Dr Edith Mawunya Kutorglo
Dr. Kutorglo is a Ghanaian researcher at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague. With a PhD in Chemical and Process Engineering and an Erasmus Mundus Master’s in Membrane Engineering, her work spans functional porous materials, environmental engineering, and nanotechnology. She has contributed to innovations in areas such as photocatalytic hydrogen production and is passionate about using science to address real-world challenges.
Mr Joel Bamfo-Appiah
Mr. Bamfo-Appiah is the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS Ghana). He previously served as Senior Program Officer, where he coordinated programs and strengthened institutional impact, and as Alumni Relations Officer where he led alumni engagement across multiple AIMS centers in Africa. An MSc graduate in Mathematical Sciences from AIMS Ghana, Joel also served as a Lead for Ghana Fellow, expanding access to quality education in underserved communities and earning recognition as the Overall Best Fellow Leader.
Mr Caleb Fugah
Mr. Fugah is the Chief Business Development Officer at Dext Technology Limited, the Ghanaian EdTech company behind the innovative Dext Science Set. A 2025 Mandela Washington Fellow, he has been at the forefront of making practical STEM education accessible in Ghana.
The journey continues.
Project Kappa is only the beginning. As our ecosystem grows, more young Africans will have access to mentorship, practical innovation, and opportunities to build solutions for their communities.