Ebhath Research Education

Ebhath

Ebhath Research Education

Democratizing access to scientific research education across Africa through localized, multilingual, and community-driven programs

Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt

EGY

Nonprofit

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In many African and Arab regions, access to research education is limited by linguistic, cultural, and infrastructural barriers. Most programs are designed in English, making them inaccessible to the majority of students whose primary languages are Arabic or Swahili. Additionally, research is rarely introduced at the high school level, and students often lack mentorship, resources, or awareness of its importance. As a result, promising minds are left out of the global academic conversation. Globally, only 2% of published research comes from the African continent, and among Arab youth, fewer than 10% have access to structured research experiences before university. These gaps widen educational inequality and hinder innovation. Ebhath addresses this systemic problem by offering localized, culturally relevant, and multilingual scientific research education—starting with Arabic and Swahili. We empower students from underserved backgrounds with the tools, mentorship, and platform they need to explore research for the first time. Our work is grounded in the belief that education shouldn’t stop at the classroom door—and that inclusive research education is a key to building stronger, more equitable communities.

Ebhath is a multilingual, research education platform that empowers underserved youth across Africa and the Middle East to conduct meaningful scientific research in their native languages. Our solution combines open-access curricula, structured mentorship, and localized learning to remove cultural and linguistic barriers in STEM education. We started by developing and publishing the first Arabic scientific research course, which has since reached over 1,540 students from 9 countries. Recognizing the need to expand, we recently launched a Swahili research course, now impacting 1,500+ students across 14 East African nations. These programs were co-developed with local educators, ensuring cultural relevance and accessibility. In 2025, we launched Egypt’s Ebhath Research Program, offering intensive mentorship in both Arabic and English. We received 1,050+ applications and selected 90 students for personalized support from mentors at top universities. Ebhath uses a digital platform, supported by a fully functioning website and curriculum server, to distribute materials, host research content, and connect students with mentors globally. The program is open to all—no prior experience needed—only a passion for learning and a desire to make an impact. Our mission is to democratize research education and create a generation of thinkers, scientists, and changemakers.

Ebhath serves high school students across Africa and the Middle East, particularly those from low-income, rural, or linguistically marginalized communities. Many of these students are first-generation researchers and come from educational systems that offer limited or no access to extracurricular STEM education or academic mentorship. By offering courses in Arabic and Swahili, Ebhath provides students the opportunity to explore research in a language they understand—often for the first time. We also prioritize students without prior research experience, making the program inclusive and accessible. Our mentorship model connects students with university-level mentors, guiding them through the process of writing their first research papers. For many, this is a transformative experience—it boosts confidence, builds critical thinking skills, and opens up access to competitive global programs and scholarships. In underserved areas, especially where the idea of high school research is virtually unknown, Ebhath introduces a new academic culture. In some communities, our program was the first exposure to research for 90% of participants. Ultimately, our solution enables youth to become active contributors to knowledge creation, rather than passive consumers. It nurtures local talent and helps close global equity gaps in education and innovation.