Young innovators on display at 2nd Robots and Technology Exhibition

DPI, Guyana, Saturday, July 7, 2018

Creative best describes Guyana’s second Annual Robotics and Technology Exhibition. The show held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall saw 18 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) clubs from across Guyana displaying a variety of robots.

Despite the inclement weather, scores of Guyanese showed up to witness what the country’s young innovative minds have created. First Lady Sandra Granger, who declared the exhibition opened, said that she was excited to see the enthusiasm of the young minds behind the different robots on display.

“It is very heartening to me to see that children from all over this country are into the programming and building of the robots.  I see great things ahead for them…  I am happy that children from across the country are getting hooked on it and by next year we will have children from every single region participating in this exhibition” the First Lady stated.

Eleven-year-old Ronney Jim, who was there with his family, said he was fascinated by what the robots can do.  “… I like the robots that they built. It is fun and enjoyable and it helps you learn more about your school work.”

Angelina DeAbreu, who was there with her two children, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that it is very encouraging to see children involved in technology in Guyana. After having a first-hand look at the robots on exhibition, DeAbreu said “they did a really good job explaining to my five-year-old and seven-year-old what it is that the robots do and they enjoyed it a lot so I think it is a nice experience for the kids.”

Dominic Budhan, coach at the North Ruimveldt Church of the Nazarene, commended the initiative adding, “I think this initiative is great for the educational system because this has been progressing; specifically for my club, we have seen a lot of improvement especially with my kids in their science and mathematics grades so I really appreciate these activities.”

Co-Founder of STEMGuyana, Karen Abrams said that seeing so many young people involved in STEM and the support received from the public, she is encouraged to do even more. “I believe folks are beginning to get the message that they have to prepare their children for the future so I am encouraged to see the groups here and we are hoping that we learnt enough from the pilot programme to where we will be able to attract 100 teams next year.”

Organisers of the exhibition aim to pique the interest of Guyanese with the hope of establishing a nationwide competition among teams from every region in Guyana.

By: Isaiah Braithwaite.

Images: Vish Babulall and Kennyann Bacchus.

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