The name Katwish is a creative play on the Bemba word 'Katwishi' which means 'I do not know'. In many cultures, not knowing is seen as a limitation - but in STEM, and in everyday life, not knowing is often where the most powerful journeys begin.
At Katwish, we believe that admitting 'I do not know' is not weakness; it is the spark of discovery, the beginning of important questions, and the root of every breakthrough. Our mission is to build a vibrant learning ecosystem that: empowers students across Zambia and beyond to access high-quality, organized academic materials; uplifts African voices in STEM; and encourages students to find joy in the process of learning.
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Daisy Katongo is an 18-year-old girl based in Lusaka, Zambia. She is a Beacon Scholar, a 2024 TechGirl, a TEDxSpeaker and a published poet. Daisy is extremely passionate about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and is deeply committed to research in the field and building a career around this interest.
In 2023, Daisy Katongo invented the Pollu-Boat. A sea vessel application that aims to passively collect harmful plastic waste.
The Pollu-Boat addresses marine plastic pollution by exploring how surfactants can be used to attract plastics to boat hulls during voyages, allowing for easier and eco-friendly removal. As plastic production and waste increase, plastics - especially microplastics (particles <5mm), persist in the environment due to their resistance to degradation. These small particles are widespread in water bodies globally and pose significant environmental risks. The project aims to offer a sustainable method of reducing plastic pollution in oceans.
In the same year, this invention was taken to the Inter-School Association of Zambia STEM Fair and won 2nd place in the environmentally sustainable category. It is one of Daisy's proudest achievements to date.
(Thank you Mr. Moyo)
In 2024, Daisy Katongo was one of the first three Zambian girls to be selected for the highly competitive TechGirls program. She spent several weeks taking university level engineering classes at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and job shadowing women in STEM careers at large organizations such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA). Through these experiences, Daisy sharpened her abilities and expanded her skillset for her future career.
Additionally, Daisy had the opportunity to build a network of people from all over the world by engaging in meaningful conversations with people from different backgrounds who had similar aspirations to her own.
Through her interactions and her work, Daisy was given the opportunity to speak at the TechGirls Capstone event to represent her entire region towards the end of her experience. Today, she is a core council member of the TechGirls Alumni Advisory Council.
Delivering a TEDx Talk at the TEDxLusaka event in May of 2024 was a major milestone for Daisy, offering her the chance to share her work with a global audience. TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is a nonprofit organization devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks. TED Talks cover a wide range of topics from science to social justice, and they’re known for being clear, inspiring, and accessible.
TEDx events, like TEDxLusaka, are independently organized under TED’s license, giving local voices a platform to share ideas worth spreading. For Daisy, speaking at TEDxLusaka meant contributing to a curated event that highlights innovation, impact, and insight in Zambia and beyond. It gave her credibility, exposure, and the opportunity to influence change through storytelling backed by research and lived experience. Click the title above to watch it.
COMING SOON!!!!
