Page 25 - issue 24

Event 25

Q: In China children start learning
robotics projects from as early as 6
years. In future are we likely to see
Africa implementing similar projects ?

A: I believe that’s were we are
going. At Sci-Bono Discovery center
as i had mentioned that through the
robotics workshop and competitions
the programme is for learners from
ages 9 years and older and some are
in standard one. We do have primary
school learners able to build a robot,
program the robot and integrate the
hardware and software that makes a
robot work. So through the competition
we are able to mentor them on robotics
.But there are still a lot of disadvantaged
learners who are in need of support but
it is our objective at Sci-bono to reach
out to those disadvantaged.

We are working hand in hand with
the Department of Education in South
Africa so we are contributing towards
that but there is still a gap because in
our rural areas in other provinces we Children from primary school can learn robotics
have a challenge of getting there and programming and hardware intergration
reaching out.

A: I normally say the most important This competition started in the USA
Q: So is this program part of the and rolled out to other countries.At
educational system in South Africa ? award that a learner especially from
rural area is the technical knowledge Sci-bono we are sponsoring 15 schools
and skill acquired. But yes they are in Gauteng .By sponsoring we mean
A: We provide support to five awarded. They get the championship we give team mentorship, resources,
education systems through this project. award, programming awards, robot organize challenges so basically
It was declared by the President building awards and innovation awards. internationally we are doing the same
(Ramaphosa) that he wants coding So they are these awards but because thing countries like China, Japan but the
to be a part of the curriculumn so it’s an international competition some only thing is that our learners have to
already we have been doing this for of the learners who are good compete perform better so that they can compete
the past 10 years at Sci-bono. So now on international level. Our challenge is at an international level so they start at
that the president has opened doors to take them abroad to USA to compete regional level .
it helps a lot because not so long ago with other kids but it’s something we
we conducted a teachers training or are sorting out. These awards help to There is an attempt and a discussion
workshop in robotics programming. As recognize their skills. of an international team to come and
soon as that curriculum is rolled out to participate in South Africa. If it goes
schools we will be able to assist further. well 2021 we will see the competition
Some of the schools are already doing Q: Were you benchmarking with any hosted in SA.. We had one 4 years ago
this project and will be one step ahead countries when you were coming up where we had countries like Lebanon
in terms of robotics and programming. with this program? ,Brazil participate in SA

Q: During these competitions are A: The name of the competition we Q: In the competition held 4 years
there any incentives like awards for top are a part of is called First Lego league ago which Southern African countries
performing students ? International Robotics competition. participated?

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