A transformative moment unfolded recently as 62 students and 12 teachers from seven public schools celebrated a significant achievement at the Global Robotics Competition 2024: STEM Robotics Training Mini-Olympiad, held on October 28-29, 2024, at De La Salle Santiago Zobel School (DLSZ) in Muntinlupa City. For many of these passionate learners, this was their first venture into the world of global robotics competitions—an exciting journey that marks the beginning of their future in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Teams from Pateros National High School, Muntinlupa National High School, Muntinlupa Elementary School, San Pedro Central Elementary School, Pacita Complex National High School, General Emilio Aguinaldo National High School, and Imus Pilot Elementary School participated, showcasing their growing expertise in robotics while highlighting the value of collaboration and innovation in education.
Among the standout achievements, three schools—General Emilio Aguinaldo National High School, San Pedro Central Elementary School, and Muntinlupa Elementary School—claimed Gold Medals in the Line Tracing Competition. Their success demonstrated that with the right tools, guidance, and support, even first-time competitors can rise to the occasion and excel.
The journey to this remarkable achievement was made possible by the Innovation and STEM Skill Development Outreach Program, a game-changing initiative spearheaded by DLSZ in partnership with Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and the Department of Education (DepEd). This program aims to bridge the gap in STEM education by providing students and educators with access to cutting-edge resources, such as robotic kits, 3D printers, soldering tools, and laptops—technology that many of these students had never had the opportunity to explore before.
The Makerspaces created as part of this program have become more than just places for learning; they are vibrant spaces of creativity and innovation. Students have the freedom to innovate, create, and invent—transforming theoretical knowledge into practical, real-world projects that foster critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving. This hands-on experience is designed to prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow’s world and inspire the next generation of engineers, inventors, and thinkers.
For teachers, the program has provided valuable training, empowering them to incorporate these new technologies into their classrooms and help students engage with STEM in dynamic, relevant ways. By equipping educators with the tools and knowledge to teach modern STEM subjects effectively, the program is laying the groundwork for lasting educational transformation that will benefit future generations.
The Global Robotics Competition 2024 Mini-Olympiad was more than just a competition—it was a celebration of the potential within each student and teacher. It served as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together to invest in education and create opportunities for growth and learning.
As we look ahead, the success of this program underscores the incredible impact of collaboration between these organizations in driving educational progress. This initiative is not only equipping students with essential technical skills but also nurturing the curiosity, creativity, and resilience.
For these students and teachers, this is just the beginning. With continued support and encouragement, they will break new ground, push boundaries, and inspire others to follow their example.