Glencore Ferroalloys hosts first World Robotics Olympiad inspiring youth for the future
12 November 2024 - Glencore Ferroalloys has taken a bold step in shaping the future of the youth in communities in which it operates by hosting the first World Robotics Olympiad (WRO) at Kloofview Primary School in Rustenburg. Building on last year's successful pilot project that introduced learners to data systems, artificial intelligence and robotics, this yearÕs competition brought together nine schools from across Rustenburg, in the North West province to challenge their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Glencore partnered with TechnoLab, a division of the University of Johannesburg's Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment to help prepare and empower learners from their host communities. The programme started in May 2024, where teachers from the nine schools were trained to successfully give robotics lessons to the learners in their schools. Each school received five Lego robots, five tablets, a laptop and robotics mat to help the young minds in learning.
The purpose of the initiative aims to raise awareness among Grade 3 and 4 learners including teachers on the role technology being vital in cultivating entrepreneurship and innovation in the economy. "Glencore is very proud of the partnership with the TechnoLab at the University of Johannesburg Faculty of Engineering. This partnership reflects our purpose as Glencore, which is to safely and responsibly source the commodities that enhances our everyday life, energising today and advancing tomorrow." said Conroy van der Westhuizen, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at Glencore Ferroalloys. "To our outstanding participants, you represent the future - a generation born in the dawn of the Fourth Industrial Revolution."
The day was filled with excitement from both teachers and learners, from Berseba Primary School, Bethani Primary School, Boshoek Primary School, Dimapo Primary School, L.D Matshego Primary School, Marikana Primary School, Maumong Primary School, Mmamogale Primary School and Modikwe Primary School, who eagerly showed up to showcase their skills and represent their respective schools.
The championship concluded with awarding the top four teams who received trophies, medals and certificates of achievement to continue fuelling their passion for robotics. To ensure that the momentum continues, Glencore announced further workshops to keep the interest in the revolution of technology alive in local schools.
Among the top 3 performing schools were L.D Matshego Primary School, Mmamogale Primary School and Maumong Primary School. Boitumelo Mika, a Grade 4 learner from L.D Matshego Primary School said, "I am excited that we won, I even cried when our school was mentioned as the winner. I would like to encourage other learners to take part in coding and robotics to learn more about how robots will change the future." The school won first prize, comprising of a trophy, medals, certificates of achievement, and some goodies to keep the learners interested in robotics.
Gloria Motaung, Senior Education Specialist: Technology, Coding and Robotics at the Department of Education was awarded for her dedication to the programme, addressing the learners and teachers, she said "We are grateful for companies such as Glencore that assist us in overcoming the challenges schools face with regards to 4IR. Most schools are unable to purchase the resources for this subject, however the programme was successfully implemented through the funding from Glencore and facilitation from the University of Johannesburg," concluded Motaung.
As communities and industries advance into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Glencore remains committed to upskilling youth and bridging gaps in digital literacy. The Robotics Championship is an important part of Glencore's goal to empower the communities in which it operates, offering learners new pathways to explore and creating the foundation for future-ready careers in science and technology.