This July, the excitement of our second robotics tournament reached new heights with a special guest joining us: 12-year-old Nia Scott, founder and CEO of Stemulate the World. Nia’s journey into robotics and her commitment to empowering young minds through STEM education provided an inspiring backdrop to our event, marking a significant milestone in our mission to bring these opportunities to rural primary schools in Kenya.
Nia Scott’s passion for robotics began at an early age. “The reason why I started Stemulate the World was because I love robotics and really love STEM,” she shares. “But I like it more seeing people smile. Since I was small, I have always loved to see people smile and brighten up. I love robotics and helping people, so it was a no-brainer for me to start Stemulate the World. I ventured into robotics and competing in 6th grade.” Her words reflect a profound dedication to making a difference and spreading joy through her work.
Our collaboration with Nia and her organization began with our first robotics tournament in May at Muruai Primary School in Laikipia Kenya. Twenty students competed in five teams, and the winners took home a MacBook laptop—a symbol of their hard work and enthusiasm. The tournament was a resounding success, showcasing the student’s potential and the impact of introducing them to STEM education.
The excitement continued as we prepared for our second tournament in July. Nia and her family—Chantel Seymore, Rylan Seymore, and Kristen Scott—traveled to Kenya to participate in the event. Over four days, Nia had training sessions with the students, delving into the intricacies of robotics and problem-solving.
One of the highlights of Nia’s visit was witnessing the students’ perseverance. “Seeing the students’ faces light up when they finally figured out the solution was incredibly rewarding,” Nia remarked. “Their determination and problem-solving skills were remarkable, and moments like these remind me why I started this journey.” Her enthusiasm for helping the students overcome challenges was a testament to her commitment to nurturing their potential.
During her visit, Nia and her family also visited Muruai Primary School, where our first tournament occurred. She interacted with the students who participated in the competition, and it was heartwarming to see how the students looked up to her.
Additionally, we had the opportunity to visit Raya Primary School, where we have established a computer lab through our partnership with Techlit Africa. The lab represents a significant step in providing students with access to technology and resources that can open doors to new opportunities. We are eagerly planning our next robotics tournament at Raya Primary School, furthering our mission to bring STEM education to more students in rural areas.
Our partnership with Stemulate the World and Techlit Africa has been pivotal in our efforts to create meaningful educational experiences. So far, we have established six computer labs in underserved primary schools across Kenya. Each lab serves as a hub of learning and innovation, equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in a technology-driven world.
We are excited to continue our robotics tournaments and inter-school competitions as we look to the future. These events not only foster a spirit of camaraderie and competition but also inspire students to explore their potential and pursue careers in STEM fields.
The impact of our robotics tournaments extends far beyond the competition itself. It’s about igniting curiosity, building confidence, and creating opportunities for young minds to excel. With the support of Stemulate the World and Techlit Africa, we are excited to see how many more lives we can touch and how many more smiles we can inspire.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to shape the future of STEM education and celebrate the remarkable achievements of these young innovators. Together, we’re building a brighter tomorrow, one robot at a time.