WIS students off to Mexico this weekend

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

Group photo of the WIS students representing Solomon Islands in Mexico in the 2018 First Global Robotic Competition

FOUR students from the Woodford International School (WIS) will be leaving for Mexico on August 11 to participate in the 2018 First Global Robotic Competition.

This is the second time WIS is taking part in a renowned global tech competition.

The event convenes students who have passion in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The WIS team comprises four robotic engineers; Edward Patternot – Designer and team Captain, William Poznanski – Programmer, Renney Sufiona – Builder and     Tanuia Uale – Strategist, the only female in the group.

The team is guided by mentor Mr Rakesh Pandey.

He also led last year’s WIS robotics team last year which placed Solomon Islands on the 35th position among 190 countries which participated – a remarkable and historic milestone event for STEM students in the country.

Pandey said the team will be leaving Solomon Islands on Saturday this weekend, and the tourney starts on August 15, running for three days, ending on August 18, at the Arena Ciudad, Mexico.

He said they will only have one free day to do some sight-seeing before the competition starts. The following day they will run through and polish up on their work before entering the comp the following day.

“What we intend to do here is not just for this kids, but we want to build passion for STEM education in the Solomon Islands.”

WIS students shared its successful stories saying they learned a lot from their failures during its time to build and design their robotic.

Despite challenges encountered they appreciated its team work, determination and leadership they have under the mentorship of Mr Pandey including the school administration.

Speaking for the student Mr Renney Sufiona known as Builder in the group said they have gone through good and bad times but they learn a lot during their time.

“I learn to be responsible person, not only me but we all. We are a team, if I didn’t do my job then they encourages me to go further.

“We work together, put our ideas together which actually made a good robot and it’s because of our team work.”

WIS Head of School Mr Anthony Baron said he is gratified to see the young competitors are from Solomon Islands which are form four students.

He said they still got three-year with the WIS and if they can reach that standard already it’s an excellent and well done job to influence more Solomon Islanders in STEM.

Meanwhile the sponsors for the WIS student to Mexico are; South Pacific Oil, Solomon Airlines, Sape Medical Centre and parents.

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