By Thoboloko Nts’onyane
MASERU – The world is quickly moving towards the transformative use of technology. With digital technology more inventions are created each day.
The Girls Coding Academy held an Easter Robotic Boot Camp for children wherein they built dummy robots using card boxes and local products. The participants were children aged five and above. The CEO and co-founder of the Girls Coding Academy ‘Maneo Mapharisa said the participants during the five day programme came up with ‘a problem’, observed it and designed the solution.
The inventions which they came up with were the robots that solved each day’s problems. Some of them include sweeping robots, and the one that dispenses the water. This she said exposes them to critical thinking and problem-solving skills. During the programme, she said the participants were working in groups.
Meanwhile, these programmers and robot enthusiasts are set to compete with their counterparts from the continent later in November, the competition that will be held in South Africa. In June, Mapharisa said they will build the actual robots and in October there will be a robotics competition.
The guest of honour, Motlomelo Motlomelo, a local car-marker, encouraged the learners and appealed to parents to support them.
He said the talent should be groomed and nurtured from a young age. She said the economy of the country is upon these upcoming inventors.
On behalf of the kids’ parents Bokang Mareka applauded the programme urging the parents to support their kids.
“When they leave this place, let us go and support them even with funds and data. Let remind them [to carry on their work] and be patient with them,” she appealed.
The programme that commenced on Thursday last week, came to an end Tuesday this week. This closing ceremony culminated with the presentations of the work done and the awarding of the participatory certificates.
Mahase said the boot camp has taught him team work and how to be a team player.