What does Africa need for a brighter future? Beyond clean energy, food security, and effective governance, fostering the next generation of engineers is crucial. Investing in young engineers is essential for a robust African economy. MMS is dedicated to building strong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) foundations in South Africa in our work and (through this initiative) in youth too.
STEM skills are vital for our work at MMS. While the national curriculum addresses these areas, it has its limits. Ken Robinson, an internationally respected educational expert, highlighted in a TED talk many years ago three natural elements to every child.
Every child is curious. Every child is creative. Every child is individual.
Schools often don't allow these traits to flourish fully under the pressures of general education curriculum.
MMS was thrilled to learn about Team Texpand, a community-based robotics team from Cape Town, which overcame immense odds to compete in the global FIRST® Tech Challenge. This competition, run by First, promotes STEM skills worldwide. Founded by Dean Kamen in 1989, FIRST® prepares young people for the future through transformative youth robotics programs.
Team Texpand, part of the winning alliance, became World Champions competing against 9 000 teams!
Their budget was less than R50,000 compared to some teams with over R1.5 million. They aim to expand STEM skills through robotics, planning to launch 30 new teams, host a robotics bootcamp, and secure sponsorships for starter kits.
At MMS, we're excited to support this initiative by:
Inviting Team Texpand to showcase their robot and share their story with our staff, inspiring and exposing them to real-world technology and engineering.
Sharing our mission to creatively integrate tech and engineering for societal advancement.
Sponsoring the team to help them defend their title and promote STEM development in underprivileged areas.
Join us in building STEM capacity for the next generation. Visit Team Texpand’s BackaBuddy page to partner with them and learn about receiving a Section 18a tax certificate for your contribution. Or email the team at teamtexpand@gmail.com
Let's celebrate this South African technology success story and inspire the engineers of tomorrow!