In a remarkable display of community spirit and teamwork, the parents of the five students representing Mauritius at the upcoming FIRST Global Challenge 2024 in Athens came together yesterday at the YUVA Training Room in Port Louis to help their children build the robot that will represent the country on the global stage.

With screwdrivers, bolts, and a shared sense of pride, the parents worked alongside their children, contributing to the creation of a robot that will compete with teams from over 190 countries next month.

The event was a heartwarming example of family support in action, where the parents of Shayaan Neetoo, Sohail Jugbandhan, Navneet Heerah, Yushmita Sinanun, and Tooshti Beesoony gathered to assist in building the complex robot. The students, ranging in age from 14 to 17, have been preparing for months for this moment, but yesterday’s session saw an additional layer of support from the very people who have encouraged them all along— their parents.

Armed with screwdrivers, wrenches, and an eagerness to lend a hand, the parents worked under the guidance of mentors Dr Krishna Athal and Devesh Takoor, both from YUVA Mauritius. The room buzzed with excitement as families collaborated, connecting pieces of the robot’s framework and wiring. For many, it was their first experience with such a hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) project, making the process both challenging and rewarding.

The atmosphere in the training room was not only collaborative but also inspiring. Fathers and mothers took turns screwing in parts and fitting together components, learning from their children and contributing to Team Mauritius’s goal of creating a fully functional robot for the competition.

Mentor Devesh Takoor, who has been guiding the students through the preparation process, praised the parents for their involvement: “The FIRST Global Challenge isn’t just about the students. It’s about bringing entire communities together, and today is a perfect example of that. The support from these parents has been phenomenal, and I believe it will make the team stronger as they head to Athens.”

This year’s theme for the FIRST Global Challenge, “Olympics of Robotics,” focuses on developing technological solutions to global challenges, including energy efficiency and sustainability. With the competition approaching fast, Team Mauritius is making the final adjustments to their robot, and the contributions from yesterday’s session have brought them one step closer to being competition-ready.

Dr Krishna Athal, Executive Director of YUVA Mauritius, expressed his gratitude: “Yesterday’s event was a powerful reminder that behind every successful student is a supportive family. The participation of the parents shows how deeply invested the entire community is in this challenge. This type of encouragement goes beyond just building a robot; it builds the confidence and determination these students need to succeed.”

As the team prepares to head to Athens next month, they do so with the knowledge that they have the unwavering support of their families and the entire Mauritian community behind them. The students and mentors will depart on 23 September 2024, ready to proudly represent Mauritius on the international stage.

The FIRST Global Challenge 2024 promises to be a thrilling event, and with the help of their parents, Team Mauritius is ready to take on the competition and showcase their talent, creativity, and teamwork to the world.