In March of this year, the Ministry of Education commenced a strategic partnership with the Division for Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) to ensure Team Seychelles’ successful participation in the 2024 FIRST Global Robotics Challenge. This prestigious event is scheduled to take place in Athens, Greece, from September 26th to 29th, 2024. This collaboration marks a significant step in transitioning the management of STEM activities, currently overseen by DSTI, to the Ministry of Education. By fostering this partnership, both entities are reinforcing their commitment to advancing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education and nurturing the next generation of innovators in Seychelles.
The 1st Global Challenge is an annual international robotics competition that brings together school students from the ages of 14 to 17 years from around the world to participate in a STEM challenge. The competition aims to inspire youth to pursue careers in STEM fields, promote cultural exchange, and foster a global community of young innovators who can address global challenges through technology and collaboration. Each year, the competition focuses on a specific theme related to real-world issues, such as energy efficiency, water quality, or pollution.
The theme for the 2024 FIRST Global Challenge is “Feeding the Future”. This theme focuses on addressing global food security and sustainable agriculture through robotics and innovation. Team members have worked on various challenges related to improving food production, reducing waste, and ensuring equitable distribution to meet the needs of the growing global population.
The 1st Global Challenge aligns closely with the Ministry of Education’s goals, as it:
1. Promotes STEM Education
2. Develops Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
3. Enhances Technical and Digital Literacy
4. Encourages Collaboration and Teamwork
5. Prepares students for the world of Work
The selection process for the 1st Global Robotics Challenge 2024 was done in June this year and all State and Private Schools were invited to participate in the selection process. A total of 31 students turned participated in this process.
The team comprises of 5 students which is the core team and another 5 which is the supporting Team. Members of the core team will represent Seychelles at the 1st Global Robotic Challenge, whereas members of the Supporting Team will have the valuable opportunity to assist the team locally in mounting and working on the robot, but will not be travelling for the competition. This structure ensures that a broader group of students can engage with and benefit from the project, gaining practical experience and contributing to the success of the core team.
Core Team:
1. Gabriel Suzette – Anse Boileau Secondary – Male (Team Captain)
2. Amanda Leopold – Independent School – Female
3. Shalini Raja – International School – Female
4. Denis Hoareau – SALS- Male
5. Elle Wirtz- Independent School – Female
Supporting Team:
1. Adrien Hoarean – Beloine School – Male
2. Annei Yang – International School- Female
3. Adam Lalande – Mont Fleuri School – Male
4. Alfred Joseph – Independent School – Male
5. Ian Vital – International School – Male
The Team will be accompanied by representatives from the Ministry of Education and the Division for Science, Technology, and Innovation. By participating in such a prestigious international competition, Seychelles not only showcases its commitment to advancing STEM education but also inspires future generations of students to pursue excellence in digital skills and innovation. This initiative aligns perfectly with our ongoing efforts to integrate STEAM education across all levels, preparing our students to thrive in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
