STEMGuyana is hopeful of continuing its winning ways as it breaks the mould by sending its first all-female team to compete in an upcoming robotics competition which will be held in southeast Asia.
In a release on Friday, STEMGuyana announced that it was “gearing up” to compete at the 2023 First Global Robotics Challenge (FGC) in Singapore this October. It added that this is the first time that Guyana will be represented by an all-girl team at a robotics challenge which will see the participation of over 180 countries. STEMGuyana also expressed confidence in the ability of the young women to “showcase their talent, innovation, and determination on a global platform, highlighting their invaluable contributions to the STEM fields within Guyana.”
The team is composed of five individuals with “impressive” credentials with a passion for robotics and STEM education. They are: 1) Ariel Taylor, a third-year Team Guyana veteran who has been an integral part of STEMGuyana since its inception. 2) Italy Ton-Chung, a second-year Team Guyana member, as well as a national chess player, the voice of “Robin the Robot” on Guyana’s sole technology TV show, and a STEM club leader. 3) Lateisha McArthur, also a second-year Team Guyana member, and a founding member of the Queen’s College STEM club. 4 &5) Xaria Holder and T’Sehai Holder, both second-year Team Guyana members, and club leaders at the New Sports Hall STEM club at Camp Street in Georgetown.
The team will be coached by 5-year veteran, Arrianna Mahase; and Joshua Reece and the extended team includes Keeland Cummings, Zionara Lawrence, Naliah Fordyce, and Lucas Simpson. Team mentors are Sahief Posse, Tarico Henry, and Daniel Eastman.
According to the release, STEMGuyana is a technology education NGO based in Guyana, managing 41 learning pods that provide enrichment and academic support to mostly vulnerable children three days a week, including one technology day where they learn to code and build robots.
It also manages 15 STEM clubs (soon to be 35) and has launched a production studio that created a children’s show called “Robin the Robot”. Additionally, STEMGuyana has recently launched the Parent Academy, where parents learn to support their children academically better.
“As the global stage prepares to witness the awe-inspiring innovations and collaborative spirit of Guyana’s all-female national robotics team, the country stands united in celebrating the team’s accomplishments and their dedication to propelling the nation forward in the world of science and technology. The 2023 FGC Robotics Challenge promises to be a showcase of cutting-edge robotics and a testament to the transformative power of diversity and inclusion within the STEM fields.”
The release expressed its appreciation for the involvement of Duke Lodge Hotel, in Kingston, Georgetown, which continues to sponsor the team’s STEM Lab where the young people are building their competition robot. However, the organisation continues to solicit support to cover the expenses associated with travel to Singapore, the release added.
Interested persons or organisations can contact STEMGuyana at 592-616-4454 or via email at stemguyana@gmail.com.