FIRST Lego League Challenge SA Nationals
The SARAO Robotics Schools Programme has reached a thrilling milestone, with three teams from Carnarvon set to represent their community at the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge South Africa Nationals on 6-7 December 2024! The nationals, hosted at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Johannesburg, promise to be an exciting platform for these young innovators to showcase their passion for robotics, coding, and engineering.
The journey to nationals began with the 2024 FIRST LEGO League Regional Robotics Competition held on 2 November 2024 at Carnarvon High School. This year’s regional event brought together robotics enthusiasts from across the Northern Cape, offering a hands-on space for young people to demonstrate their ingenuity, teamwork, and growing expertise in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Teams faced a series of challenges, requiring a blend of problem-solving skills, creativity, and technical know-how. From complex coding to clever engineering designs, participants showcased months of dedication and intense preparation.
A Celebration of Innovation and Teamwork
The regional competition, supported by SARAO’s dedicated leadership, was a testament to eight years of hard work invested in the SARAO Robotics Schools Programme. Under the expert guidance of Chantel Mathison, Professional Officer for the SARAO Schools Programme, and Odwa Magabuko, the SARAO Robotics Schools Programme Coordinator, students in the Northern Cape have gained invaluable skills in robotics, coding, and collaborative problem-solving.
“It’s inspiring to see the talent and determination of these young people,” says Chantel Mathison. “Their enthusiasm is contagious, and watching them tackle complex challenges with resilience and teamwork is a reminder of the impact STEM education has on their lives.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
The SARAO Robotics Schools Programme was launched with a vision to foster curiosity and spark an interest in STEM careers among young learners, particularly in rural communities. Over the years, the programme has made remarkable strides in nurturing students’ technical skills, while also building their confidence, resilience, and capacity for innovation.
This year’s regionals showcased not only the technical abilities of the students but also their capacity to collaborate, think critically, and bring creative solutions to life. These qualities are precisely what the FIRST LEGO League seeks to promote, making it an ideal platform for young innovators.
Countdown to Nationals
With the nationals only a month away, the excitement and anticipation are building! The Carnarvon teams will soon travel to Johannesburg, where they’ll join other teams from across South Africa to compete in a series of robotics challenges. This prestigious event is more than just a competition; it’s an opportunity for these young learners to connect with like-minded peers, gain exposure to advanced STEM environments, and receive encouragement from leaders in the field.
As the teams prepare to take the national stage, SARAO and the entire community stand proudly behind them, celebrating their achievements and the promising future they represent for STEM in South Africa.
Stay tuned for updates on the Carnarvon teams as they embark on this exciting journey to the 2024 FIRST LEGO League Challenge SA Nationals! We can’t wait to see the incredible things they will accomplish.
About SARAO Robotics Schools Programme
The SARAO Robotics Schools Programme is an initiative led by the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) aimed at fostering STEM skills in rural schools, particularly in the Northern Cape. Through robotics, coding, and hands-on STEM projects, the programme provides young learners with skills to thrive in a technologically advanced world, empowering the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
