After participating in Eskom Expo since primary school, Grade 12 learner Helené Fourie ended her final year in the programme with a Silver medal and a provisional Eskom Merit Bursary at the 46th Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF).
Fourie, from Trio High School in Kroonstad, represented the Welkom Region in the Free State. The bursary recognises academic performance, innovation and achievement and is subject to confirmation of her final National Senior Certificate results and compliance with Eskom’s bursary and admission requirements.
Fourie’s journey began in Grade 3 through the encouragement of her primary school science teacher, Mr Org Prinsloo.
“He always made a huge effort in involving the learners in the Eskom Expo,” she said. “Ever since then I have been intrigued by not just science, but the actual process of scientific research.”
While she participated in sport, Fourie said nothing gave her the same freedom and satisfaction as exploring a science topic that genuinely interested her. That passion kept her involved in Eskom Expo throughout her school years.
That journey culminated at the ISF Special Awards Ceremony on 1 October 2026. Fourie first stepped onto the stage to deliver a speech about her experience, despite initially feeling intimidated by public speaking. “I loved being able to share my experience and to hopefully inspire others,” she said.
Later, her name was announced as one of the provisional Eskom Merit Bursary recipients. “In the moment, I was overwhelmed, in tears and in disbelief. I couldn’t believe it was finally my turn to be awarded something,” Fourie said. “It gives me peace of mind knowing that all the countless hours of dedication, struggle and feelings of disappointment were not in vain.”
The achievement also carried special significance for Fourie as a young scientist from Kroonstad.
“Coming from a rather small town means the opportunities that other learners from bigger cities are exposed to are not always available to us,” she said. “However, this proves that despite the limited openings, there is an unlimited number of possibilities.”
One of her quieter but equally treasured ISF memories came after the ceremony, when her delegation leader took the Welkom Region participants to McDonald’s to celebrate.
“Receiving true support from my regional participants was special, and it truly did give me a feeling of community,” she said.
Fourie traces her earliest interest in STEMI to her mother, who introduced her to children’s science programmes. As she grew older, that curiosity expanded through mathematics, physics and biology.
“Finally, being able to understand a topic in maths or physics and seeing the different ‘puzzle pieces’ coming together is genuinely so much fun to me,” she said. “Biology allows me to understand the natural world and how it works and always leaves me in awe.”
Her interests extend beyond science. Fourie enjoys history, documentaries and learning about different cultures and human stories. She also knits and sews, creating clothes and gifts for friends, and has recently begun teaching herself to play the piano because of her love for classical music.
After almost a decade of participation in Eskom Expo, her advice to young scientists is simple. “Just start,” Fourie said. “Although it might not be successful the first time, nor the second time and maybe not even the third time, just continue if you sincerely have the passion for it.”
“Ask questions and think of possible answers. Try to enjoy the experience and journey of learning, no matter the outcome, because this is an opportunity not many learners get to experience.”
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