Leaping into global STEM with the SpringBots
The South African SpringBots are a high school robotics club that focuses on youth development through STEM education. The FIRST Global Challenge, is an annual international robotics competition designed to spark an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and brings teams from more than 180 countries together, in the spirit of unity, collaboration, and global purpose.
When the SpringBots approached Prommac for funding to compete in the 2017 First Global Challenge, Jason English, the CEO at the time, was eager to assist!
Five years later, the SpringBots are a part of the Prommac family, therefore it was natural that Dany de Barros, Prommac’s Team Captain, jumped on board as the title sponsor for the 2022 SpringBots’ first-ever all-female team.
Also read: Sanbs recently held their donor awards function
Dany had this to say about their involvement with the SpringBots:
“I frequently speak of our dedication to education and innovation; now, we are demonstrating our commitment to these statements by investing in the future of this remarkable team of girls. Prommac looks forward to supporting and watching the SpringBots compete at the 2022 First Global Challenge.”
Prommac continually shows its dedication and commitment to community upliftment and social change by supporting just such causes. Truly future-proofing these youths by supporting their dedication in a male-dominant industry and breaking the gender stereotype.
A recap from past events, the SpringBots was ranked number 6 in The World Robotics First Global Challenge in 2018 and were the first team to win the Gold for the Walt Disney Award for Creativity and Innovation Award.
Each team is supplied with a standard kit of parts to make their own, of which they are required to design, assemble and program a robot to complete tasks in a themed game. Each theme is related to the world’s most pressing challenges. The 2022 challenge is carbon capture which is a way of reducing carbon emissions thereby tackling the issue of Global Warming.
Throughout the competition, these global teams will join forces in the spirit of Coopertition® in an “Olympics”-style experience unlike any other.
The SpringBots 2022 Team are Kayla Naicker (Team Captain), Dineo Sepaela, Bridget Mphaka, Precy Mohlala, Matome Shwatja, Tania Matsemela & Bongiwe Ndhlovu. The team’s mentor is Jared Reddy who has participated in the event himself several times.
South Africa can be proud of this team and cheer for them at the 2022 first global challenge. Join in the STEM fun from 13-16 October 2022 – the event will be live-streamed. Make sure you follow Prommac’s social media pages for details. Click HERE for their Facebook page
Monique Ollsson
