The challenge
Emvelo was already supporting Grade 12 students through regular, teacher-led mathematics sessions. The programme gave learners valuable help with revision and exam preparation, but that support was largely tied to the classroom.
The original vision for STEAMS-ED was broader: a platform spanning science, technology, engineering, entrepreneurship, arts, leadership, mathematics and skills, with links to future opportunities in South Africa’s green economy.
The challenge was to turn that ambition into a useful first product.
Rather than attempting to build a complete curriculum from the outset, Emvelo needed a focused mobile experience that could strengthen the teaching already taking place. It had to be relevant to students’ immediate needs, simple to use and realistic about the conditions in which they would access it.
- Mobile learning app for South African students
- Initial focus on Grade 12 mathematics
- Afrikaans-first, with English support
- Videos, PDFs, quizzes and progress tracking
- Built for iOS and Android using React Native and Expo
- Designed with low-data and unreliable connectivity in mind
Our approach
We helped Emvelo focus the first version around a clear role: supporting the weekly mathematics sessions rather than replacing them.
The live lessons became the backbone of the experience. Between sessions, students can revisit key topics, watch supporting videos, access revision materials, complete quizzes and monitor their progress.
This approach allowed the content to grow alongside the teaching programme. It avoided the cost and risk of producing a full curriculum before the needs of learners had been tested in practice.
Because the lessons and supporting videos are delivered in Afrikaans, we made Afrikaans the default language, with English support built into the platform for future expansion.
We developed the app using React Native and Expo for iOS and Android, with Firebase supporting authentication, content and learner progress. Our work also included structuring lesson content, connecting videos and PDFs to the correct topics and supporting submission to the Apple and Google app stores.
Results and impact
STEAMS-ED gives Emvelo a practical way to extend its education programme beyond the classroom.
The initial pilot is structured around the first three Grade 12 mathematics chapters, with further chapters clearly positioned as upcoming content. This allows Emvelo to launch with a useful body of material, test the experience with schools already involved in the programme and improve the product before expanding further.
For students, the app creates a consistent place to return to between sessions. For the programme team, it provides a clearer way to organise and distribute learning materials. For Emvelo, it establishes a scalable digital foundation for a wider education initiative.
The project has moved STEAMS-ED from a broad concept towards a focused product shaped by real teaching, real content and real learner needs.
Looking ahead
The first phase is deliberately focused on Grade 12 mathematics.
As the pilot develops, STEAMS-ED can expand with additional chapters, stronger links between lessons and assessments, improved progress insight and new tools for educators.
Over time, the platform could also support Emvelo’s wider ambition to introduce students to green-economy skills and career opportunities, growing in response to evidence from learners and teachers.