Dominican student team to represent the country in ‘Robotics Olympics’

A group of students from various national secondary schools and the Dominica State College is set to travel to Greece for the 2024 FIRST Global “Robotics Olympics” Challenge, scheduled from September 26 to 29. While only five students—Amado Benjamin, Cadel Casimir, Christiana Walsh, Kenilee Baron, and Xaria Timothy—will make the trip, the team also includes several other talented young innovators: Jaeden Guiste, Bernisha Moreau, Celina Pinard, Dianka George, Johnpaul Itodo, Phoenix Jacques, and Robert Guiste Jr.

This international robotics competition will see participation from over 190 countries, engaging students in a variety of team-oriented challenges that will assess their technical skills, problem-solving capabilities, and teamwork. It presents a unique chance for aspiring STEM professionals to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and faiths.

FIRST Global, the organizing body, is a nonprofit public charity based in the United States, classified under 501(c)(3). Its mission focuses on fostering leadership and innovation among youth worldwide by providing educational opportunities in STEM fields. The organization believes that by promoting cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration among pre-university students globally, it can empower these young individuals to address significant global issues and develop solutions that enhance the quality of life for everyone. The competition aims to equip students with the confidence, skills, creativity, bravery, and vision necessary to make meaningful contributions.

The participating students hail from several educational institutions in Dominica, including the Dominica State College, Academix School of Learning, Portsmouth Secondary School, and Castle Bruce Secondary School. They are recognized as some of the most dedicated students in their respective fields of study, which encompass Information Technology, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Technical Drawing, Mathematics, Physics, Integrated Science, Biology, and Chemistry.

The team is guided by mentor Kodie Jean-Jacques and assistant mentor Odessa Dinnard. In addition to support from the Ministry of Education, the team is honored to have sponsorship from International Trading Standard (ITS) Limited as their platinum sponsor, along with contributions from other sponsors such as The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC), 767.Dev, The Pemberton Foundation, Corp EFF Insurance Company Ltd., The National Cooperative Credit Union, Bel Lavi Villa, Flow Dominica, Jaydees Naturals, and Helena’s Photo Studio.