Lae Secondary School Shines at Global Youth Challenge Robotic Competition in Panama City
In a showcase of ingenuity and collaboration, Lae Secondary School from Morobe, Papua New Guinea, has once again made an impressive appearance at the Global Youth Challenge Robotic Competition held in Panama City. Representing their nation among competitors from 181 countries, these budding engineers demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills and teamwork, finishing in 90th place—a commendable achievement in such a highly competitive arena.
The dedicated team, comprising four talented students, had the support of their school board and administration, as well as guidance from two inspiring teachers, Martha Aaron and Trevor Elia. Aaron noted the unique collaborative nature of the competition, emphasizing that success hinged on how well countries worked together to tackle challenges. “They faced obstacles, but they truly put their best foot forward during the event,” she stated.
The competition spanned three action-packed days, during which participants engaged in a series of 12 games designed to test their robotic creations and teamwork. The experience not only challenges students’ technical skills but also fosters critical thinking and boosts their confidence. Highlighting the importance of such initiatives, Aaron advocated for the establishment of a national robotics competition in Papua New Guinea. Such an event would provide aspiring engineers with the chance to hone their skills locally, while making preparations for international contests more feasible.
However, she pointed out that participation in these global events requires considerable investment, with schools needing to purchase robotics kits, which can be quite costly. Still, the benefits are clear—many students from previous teams have gone on to pursue engineering degrees in university, illustrating the long-term impact of participating in such programs.
The students who represented Lae Secondary School this year—Jastina Grochau (18), Delewai Pakop (17), Bonaventure Boaging (16), and Carol Bopi (17)—returned from the competition not only with memories but also with invaluable insights into global advancements in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. Their experiences will undoubtedly serve as inspiration for their peers back home.
Lae Secondary School’s participation in previous competitions—held in countries like Mexico, Dubai, Geneva, and Singapore—underscores their commitment to providing students with international exposure and developmental opportunities. With sights set on Athens in 2024 and returning to Panama City in 2025, the school’s robotics team is poised for continued growth and success.
As the students expressed gratitude for the support they received from the First Global organization, Lae MP John Rosso, and local businesses like Wantok Auto Parts and BluePac Trading, it’s clear that the community is rallying behind this exciting educational initiative. With hopes for a national robotics competition in the future, the journey for Lae Secondary School’s robotics team is just beginning.
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