What began as a school assignment has grown into an award-winning project for Grade 9 learner Layla Ahmed, who earned multiple honours at the 46th Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF).
Born and raised in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, Ahmed attends Curro Westbrook High School and represented the Port Elizabeth Region. She received a Silver medal, was named Top Junior in the Computer Sciences Category, and received two Special Awards.
The FFS Refiners Award recognised her engineering project focused on building and testing devices or structural solutions, earning her an iPad. She also received the RS GROUP Award, a R10 000 voucher recognising an impressive engineering project.
“I was excited, speechless, and truly overjoyed when I received these awards,” Ahmed said. “These awards show me that the hard work I put into my project has been recognised, and they motivate me to keep improving and expanding it.”
Ahmed’s Eskom Expo journey began in 2025 when her teacher, Mrs Steenkamp, introduced her to the competition. She had initially completed her research as a school assignment, and Ahmed did not expect it to progress as far as it did.
“When I unexpectedly advanced to the regional rounds, I realised my project had more potential than I thought it initially had,” she said. “I became determined to work on it further and really put my effort into it.”
One of her biggest surprises at ISF was being named Top Junior in the Computer Sciences Category, particularly because she had completed all the coding herself using skills she had learnt through ITVarsity.
However, the awards were only part of what made ISF memorable. Ahmed particularly valued the opportunity to meet other young scientists from across South Africa and abroad.
“I was delighted to meet students from all walks of life, both from my own group and from other provinces,” she said. “Talking to the international students was particularly fascinating and fun. I’ll treasure all the lovely friendships that have blossomed.”
Ahmed’s passion for science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI) can be traced back to her childhood and the influence of her father, a civil engineer.
“From a young age, he exposed me to science and technology. He bought me space and science books, introduced me to programming, and sometimes took me to his work, which I still enjoy a lot,” she said. Her father also inspired the project that ultimately took her to ISF.
While science and technology are important parts of her life, Ahmed also has a strong creative side. She enjoys traditional and digital art, painting and creative writing, particularly poetry. She loves hiking and learning about nature, and in her spare time writes stories and draws comics for her own series, Professor Hamilton Comics.
Her experience has taught her how far an idea can travel when it is given the opportunity to develop. For first-time Eskom Expo participants, her message is to persevere even when the outcome is uncertain.
“Never give up. Even when things don’t go to plan, keep on keeping on, and don’t be afraid to take that leap,” Ahmed said. “I never expected my school project to take me this far, and it did because I kept going and stayed curious.”
She also encourages young scientists not to measure their Eskom Expo experience solely by the awards they receive. “Most importantly, enjoy the experience! It’s not only about winning prizes. Sometimes the best prizes are the new memories and friends you make along the way.”
CreativeBox
