Woodford represents SI in global robotics competition
In the front row of Group photo are Woodford’s four students with their mentor Rakesh Pandey with its build robotic in front and back row are Acting Head of School and staffs from Solomon Airlines and BOC
TEAM Woodford International School (WIS) will represent Solomon Islands in the United States in the field of competitive robotic building next month.
The team of four dedicated science and technology WIS students, under the guidance of school mentor, Rakesh Pandey, are gearing up for the FIRST – For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.
Joining nearly 150 nations, team Woodford will play in six rounds, and in each round they will get to mingle with two other countries.
This gives them the opportunity to interact and create network, share ideas and build bridges.
Pandey shares that it is their hope that this pioneer move will inspire other Solomon Islands schools to try out their students for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) philosophy.
He said now Solomon Islands is guaranteed to participate every year, and they are looking at making it bigger for schools’ involvement across Solomon Islands.
The Woodford Acting Head of School, Rachel MacKinnon, said it is a very exciting time for Woodford because they have four amazing students who will travel with amazing state-of-the-art kits.
The Solomon Airlines Marketing and Promotions handing over air ticket to mentor Rakesh Pandey in the presence of Acting Head of School Rachel Mackennon and Nick Rolf, BOC Country Manager
“We just very proud that we have been able to secure a place at this opening of FIRST Global competition, and we can have them go to Washington DC and showcase not just Woodford but for Solomon Islands,” MacKinnon said.
BOC Country Manager, Mr Nick Rolf said, “BOC is one of largest industrial gases and engineering companies in the world, and we could love energy and effort in all geography which we are present.
“Trying to stimulate an interest of youths at secondary and primary level in science and technology engineering because we hope if we actually invest that interest early they will go-on to develop an engineering and science field.
Mr David Kera, Marketing and Promotions for Solomon Islands, said the national carrier is proud to support developing potential science and technology students for the future of Solomon Islands.
“You never know some of them will be airline engineers or pilot in the future, and I think it’s one step we contribute towards development of our young kids and hopefully will inspire other kids in the country.”
The trip is made successful through contributing major sponsors; Solomon Airlines, BOC and Tongs group.
