Students from various national secondary schools and the Dominica State College are poised to take part in the 2023 FIRST Global “Robotics Olympics” Challenge in Singapore in two weeks.
The dates of the competition will run from October 7–10, 2023. Though there will only be five student team members traveling to Singapore namely: Adriano Toussaint, Bernisha Moreau, Noah Riviere, Phoenix Jacques, and Robert Guiste Jr., the team consists of 12 other young innovators (Adelisha Massicotte, Angel Eustache, Dianka George, Annik Francis, Destinee Bertrand, Sherkhia Andrew, Milagro Deluge, Gambino Orlé, Sanjay Sookhoo, Johnpaul Itodo, Célina Pinard, and Sky Casimir).
Singapore will host a robotics competition where more than 180 countries will compete. The event will test their technical abilities, problem-solving skills, and collaboration. It’s also an excellent opportunity for young STEM enthusiasts to join forces with thousands of other students of various backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions.
The host organization, FIRST Global, is a US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity and its mission is to inspire leadership and innovation in youth from all nations by empowering them through education in STEM. The belief is that by nurturing cross-cultural communication and cooperation among pre-university students globally, through STEM, they are empowered to collectively tackle the world’s most pressing challenges and invent solutions that improve quality of life for all. The competition essentially uses robotics to facilitate students with the self-confidence, skill sets, imagination, courage, and vision to do important things.
The students attend various secondary and tertiary institutions around Dominica including the Dominica State College, Dominica Grammar School, Goodwill Secondary School, St. Martin Secondary School, Convent High School, and Saint Mary’s Academy, and they are some of the most committed students in Dominica in their various academic disciplines. At school, they study Information Technology, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Technical Drawing, Woodwork, Math, Physics, Integrated Science, Biology, Electronic/Electrical/
Team Captain Bernisha Moreau says she has “been eagerly waiting for a chance to showcase all the skills and knowledge [she’s] gained by being a member of the team”, and, she’s “confident in Dominica’s ability to one day be a hub for innovation within the Caribbean.”
The team is led by mentor Kodie Jean-Jacques and assistant mentor Odessa Dinnard.
They are sponsored to date by ShopDM, Flow Dominica, Outsource Development Studio, Dominica National Lottery, Sugar George Inc., PICKAAT Innovations, The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, The National Co-operative Credit Union, members of the Sagicor Sales Team, 767. Dev, Secretly Dominican, Jaydee’s Naturals, Wizzard House Records, and Helena’s Photo Studio.
These bright students are already successful having achieved this level of skill and knowledge through their hard work. Best of luck to them and thanks to for the sponsors that help make this happen!
Wishing our ambitious and creative students the very best in their debut robotics competition. You are all winners just by your participation in this ‘brainy’ global event.
Beautiful story. Congratulations to the team and their families. Learn as much as you can!