Young minds shine at Eldorado Park robotics celebration

Eldorado Park’s youngest residents demonstrated their creativity and innovation at the robotics celebration event organised by the Eldos Chess, Robotics and Coding Club (ECRCC) at Eldomani Secondary School on October 5.

The event showcased what learners aged younger than six had learnt in robotics throughout the year, performing for parents and participating in the Six Brick Demonstration Challenge (develops core learning skills).

This challenge required learners to build intricate structures, including towers, patterns, ships and bridges.

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Several early childhood development (ECD) centres participated, including My Skool, Little Royalties, the Lion of Judah, the C Stars Academy, Creative Thoughts, the Angels, the Little Penguins, the Tapiwa Learning Academy, the Gometsegang Daycare, the Little Smurfs, Little Hugs, the Purple Elephant, the Achievers Academy, the Cheerful Toddz, the Jelly Babies, Arise Little Eagles, Chedley Danielson’s Future and many others.

Empowering young minds

Priscilla Ferris, the head of the Boy Child Project and a panel judge, praised the ECD robotics programme as a groundbreaking initiative equipping young children with essential skills for the future. She said the programme is a beacon of hope for Eldorado Park’s future generations.

“It teaches children critical thinking and problem-solving, creativity and innovation, collaboration and teamwork, communication and presentation skills, emotional intelligence and self-awareness, and adaptability and resilience.”

She noted that these skills lay the foundation for future academic success and prepare children for an ever-changing world.

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“I have witnessed significant improvements in learners’ cognitive abilities, enhanced creativity and curiosity, developed spatial awareness and fine motor skills, increased confidence and self-esteem and better social skills.

This programme is a shining example of innovative education, empowering young minds to thrive,” Ferris concluded.

Benefits of robotics

Anastasha Winner from Little Winner Klipspruit West emphasized the importance of introducing robotics early to children.

“We introduce children to robotics early to make it easier for them to adopt when they’re older.

“This event brings robotics knowledge to parents who might not have been aware of it, encouraging them to support their children’s participation. It is essential for developing critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity skills,” noted Winner.

Inshaaf Daniels from Little Smurfs praised the programme for bringing out the best in children.

“The programme allows children to express themselves, develop essential skills and cope with challenges.

“It’s an excellent initiative that helps learners speak, use their imagination and communicate effectively. It allows children to see the world through their eyes, which is invaluable.”

Junior robotics coach Storm Roberts (14) credited the programme with teaching valuable skills.

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“Robotics teaches problem-solving skills and how to think and work with multiple people. It has helped me focus on my studies and improve the subjects I found challenging, like mathematics and natural sciences. I have gained confidence and developed essential skills for my future.”

Sponsorship and support

The First Lego League Discover (introduces STEM skills – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – to children) sponsored the event.

Representative Erin McKenna admired the children’s talents and highlighted her organization’s commitment to providing grants to underprivileged schools.

“We were extremely impressed by the bundles of joy, considering this was their first exposure to robotics. We offer grants to schools that cannot afford equipment, giving them an opportunity to participate in robotics.

“We started working with the ECRCC in 2020, and the progress has been enormous – expanding from one site to over 25.”