South African Students Shine at World Robot Olympiad in Slovenia
A group of students from Carnarvon High School in the Northern Cape recently represented South Africa at the World Robot Olympiad Open Championship in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The competition, which hosted over 200 teams from around the world, challenged participants to program a robot to autonomously navigate obstacles and complete missions within a two-minute time frame. The students utilized LEGO and robotic materials to design and build their robots.
Two teams from Carnarvon High School, comprising learners aged 14 to 17, participated in the event. The Automation Avengers team secured 14th place in the senior division, earning a silver medal, while the Circuit Breakers team placed 28th and received a bronze medal. The achievement is notable, given the limited representation of African countries in the competition.
The students’ participation was supported by the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), which funds robotics programs in several Northern Cape schools. According to Chantel Mathison, a SARAO school professional officer, the experience was invaluable for the students, many of whom come from rural areas and have limited exposure to technology and innovation. Odwa Magabuko, SARAO robotics schools program coordinator, emphasized the importance of promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers among South African learners, particularly in rural areas.
The program aims to bridge the educational divide in schools and provide opportunities for learners to develop skills in programming, research, and critical thinking. By participating in high-profile events like the World Robot Olympiad, the students gain confidence and recognition of their strengths, which can help them overcome challenges and pursue careers in STEM fields. As Jeanine Mathison, who runs daily afternoon sessions to support the learners, noted, the program demonstrates that learners from any background can achieve great things with the right support and opportunities.
The success of the Carnarvon High School students serves as a testament to the impact of initiatives like SARAO’s robotics program, which seeks to inspire and empower young people to pursue careers in technology and innovation. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, programs like these play a vital role in developing the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators.