In 2024, the St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association (SKNRA) and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Robotics Association (OECS RA) forged a meaningful partnership with the Gwendoline Van Putten (GVP) School in St. Eustatius, embarking on an incredible journey to the FIRST Global Robotics Olympics in Athens, Greece. This collaboration not only provided students with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity but also laid the foundation for lasting advancements in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education in the Caribbean.
With a shared mission of promoting robotics and STEAM education in the region, SKNRA and OECS RA saw a unique opportunity to collaborate with the GVP School and bring students into the global arena of robotics. GVP, known for its commitment to innovative education, welcomed the chance to offer students a platform where they could interact with global peers and enhance their technological skills. Together, the goal was clear: to empower GVP students to explore new horizons and inspire the creation of a GVP Robotics Club upon their return.
With the guidance of SKNRA and OECS RA, the GVP team—comprising two students, Shendrina Laribel and Jayden Pascual, and teacher Naomi Hadassah—embarked on a 14-hour journey from St. Eustatius to Athens, Greece. They joined forces with the St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Team, solidifying regional collaboration. Along the way, the GVP team gained invaluable experience as volunteers at the competition, working alongside teams from over 193 countries.
For the GVP students, this trip wasn’t just about travel or competition. It was an eye-opening experience that exposed them to the power of robotics and global innovation. The opportunity to engage with teams from around the world sparked an excitement they hadn’t anticipated. The enthusiasm was palpable as they learned about new robotics technologies, networked with international students, and witnessed the transformative impact of STEAM education on a global scale.
While the GVP team initially attended as guests and volunteers, the experience quickly became much more. The students felt empowered to take an active role in robotics, and by the end of the competition, they expressed a strong desire to lead the formation of a robotics club at their school. This passion for bringing robotics education to St. Eustatius fulfilled one of the key goals of SKNRA and OECS RA—creating a sustainable robotics program that would inspire future generations of students.
Shendrina and Jayden, who were awed by the cutting-edge innovations on display, returned home determined to share their knowledge with their peers. The students not only gained technical skills but also learned the importance of teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. Their ambition now is to represent St. Eustatius with their own team in future global robotics competitions, and this is just the beginning.
This partnership between SKNRA, OECS RA, and GVP School has far-reaching implications for the future of education in St. Eustatius. The formation of the GVP Robotics Club will serve as a platform for students to develop technical and creative skills, preparing them for future careers in STEAM fields. With the support of SKNRA, OECS RA, and GVP’s leadership, this club will offer students the tools and resources needed to compete internationally, putting St. Eustatius on the global robotics map.
Moreover, the success of this initiative demonstrates the potential for greater collaboration across the Caribbean, as schools work together to promote technology and innovation. By fostering these partnerships, SKNRA and OECS RA are advancing the Caribbean’s role in global STEAM education and ensuring that students from smaller islands like St. Eustatius have the same opportunities as their international counterparts.
The partnership between SKNRA, OECS RA, and GVP School is more than just a one-time event—it’s the start of a long-term commitment to robotics and STEAM education in the Caribbean. As GVP establishes its robotics club and continues to participate in international events like the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge and the FIRST Tech Challenge, the future looks bright for its students. The passion ignited in Athens will carry forward, as GVP students become leaders in technology and innovation, not only for their school but for the entire region.
SKNRA and OECS RA’s success in Athens exemplifies the power of collaboration and the importance of providing students with opportunities to explore new worlds. With their newfound knowledge and enthusiasm, the students of GVP are poised to inspire the next generation of thinkers, creators, and innovators, propelling the Caribbean into the future of STEAM education.
The journey to Athens was more than just a trip—it was a transformative experience that planted the seeds of innovation, leadership, and excellence. Through this partnership, SKNRA, OECS RA, and GVP School have shown that with vision, collaboration, and support, Caribbean students can compete on the world stage and make a lasting impact on global STEAM education. The future is bright for GVP, St. Eustatius, and the region as a whole.