Rédaction Africa Links 24 with eamungo
Published on 2023-05-01 17:20:16
Ugandans living in Dallas, Texas, have come together to support the Ugandan team participating in the Vex World Robotics Championships in Dallas. Led by the President of UNAA – Dallas/Fort Worth chapter, Ms. Florence Bazanye, a group of around 40 Ugandans has pooled resources amounting to about $2,500, groceries, and organized free tours around the city for the team.
The initiative to support the Ugandan team began last Tuesday when the teenagers and their adult coaches arrived in the USA. Among the Ugandans offering their support is 72-year-old Kulsum Mohammad Jiwa, also known as “Mother Theresa,” who left Uganda in 1973 during the expulsion of Indians by President Idi Amin.
The Ugandans in Dallas took it upon themselves to provide assistance after learning that the teenagers and their mentors were left to fend for themselves without any support from the Ugandan government. The team representing Uganda is made up of children who were solely supported by their parents and the company they represent.
Young Engineers Uganda, a STEM education program under the African School of Innovations Science and Technology (ASIST) Ltd, founded in 2016 by journalist Arinaitwe Rugyendo, aims to foster the next generation of Ugandan scientists, technologists, creative thinkers, and problem solvers through a robotics and LEGO curriculum.
The gesture of support from the Ugandan community in Dallas has garnered moral encouragement from various influential figures in Uganda, including government officials and diplomats. The unity displayed by the Dallas Ugandans is commendable, as they came together to back the young Ugandan team on their first appearance at the world stage of robotics.
The Ugandan team’s participation in the Vex World Robotics Championships presents a significant opportunity for children in Uganda, including scholarships and visits to prestigious institutions like NASA, Apple, Google, and Tesla. Through their resilience and determination, the Ugandan team is breaking barriers and showcasing their talent in the field of robotics.
The competition, which brings together over 50 countries and more than 2,200 participants, highlights the brightest young minds in the field of robotics. The Ugandan team is competing in the VEX IQ category, themed “Slapshot,” where they collaborate with other teams to score points using their robot in goal zones.
Overall, the support and encouragement provided by the Ugandan community in Dallas not only uplifts the young Ugandan team but also paves the way for future generations of Ugandan children to excel in the field of robotics. With the commitment and dedication of programs like Young Engineers Uganda, Uganda is making strides on the global stage of STEM education and innovation.
