On Saturday, 22 March, YUVA Mauritius proudly attended the official launch of STEM RACING™ in Mauritius, a landmark event aimed at fostering innovation and STEM education among the nation’s youth. The launch took place at the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre, symbolising a new era of hands-on learning and technological advancement in the country.

The event commenced with a welcoming speech, setting the stage for an exciting and insightful launch. This was followed by an introductory speech from Frédérique Trouvé Roger, President of F1 in Schools France, who provided a global perspective on the initiative.

Next, Ludovique Pezer, a member of the Motors Formula Team, delivered a motivational speech, encouraging participation and highlighting the opportunities STEM RACING™ offers to young innovators.

Dr. Aman Kumar Maulloo then took the stage to share his insights, followed by a speech from the Honourable Dr. Avinash Ramtohul, Minister of Technology, Communication, and Innovation, who emphasised the government’s support for STEM education in Mauritius.

Adding an international dimension to the event, Mr. Jonathan Koehler, Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis, addressed the audience, reinforcing the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to educational and technological advancement in the country.

The event concluded with an appreciation note, acknowledging all stakeholders and participants for their contributions. To commemorate this milestone, a group photo was taken featuring all participants, the organising team, and personnel from the ministries involved.

A Global STEM Initiative Comes to Mauritius

STEM RACING™, formerly known as F1 in Schools®, is a globally recognised educational program that challenges students aged 9 to 19 to design, analyse, manufacture, test, and race miniature compressed-air-powered cars. This initiative encourages creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving, equipping young learners with essential STEM skills. The program has now found a strong foothold in Mauritius, thanks to the efforts of ReUSE Revamp, which has been appointed as the official In-Country Coordinator (ICC).

Support from Key Stakeholders

The launch event received support from prominent institutions, highlighting a collaborative effort to drive STEM education forward. The Ministry of Technology, Communication, and Innovation, represented by Dr. Avinash Ramtohul, and the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports, and Recreation were among the key government entities endorsing the initiative. Additionally, the U.S. Embassy in Mauritius extended its support, further emphasising international collaboration in advancing STEM opportunities for young Mauritians.

YUVA Mauritius: A Commitment to STEM and Youth Empowerment

YUVA Mauritius, a leading non-governmental organisation dedicated to youth development and education, recognises the transformative potential of STEM RACING™. With a mission to empower young Mauritians through skill-building initiatives, YUVA is eager to engage in this competition. While the organisation has not yet officially announced its participation, it is actively exploring the possibility of forming a team to take part in the challenge. This would provide young participants with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in engineering, project management, and teamwork.

ReUSE Revamp: Driving Sustainable STEM Education

As the official ICC, ReUSE Revamp is at the forefront of making STEM education more accessible in Mauritius. The organisation is committed to sustainability, digital empowerment, and innovative learning experiences. By implementing environmentally responsible solutions and promoting STEM engagement, ReUSE Revamp is ensuring that students across the country have the opportunity to develop their technical and creative skills.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators

The introduction of STEM RACING™ in Mauritius marks a significant step in preparing young minds for a rapidly evolving technological landscape. With the combined support of government ministries, the U.S. Embassy, and leading organisations like YUVA Mauritius, this initiative is set to inspire and equip the next generation of engineers, designers, and innovators. As anticipation builds for the competition, YUVA and other participating teams are ready to race toward a future driven by innovation and excellence.