Young Engineers Uganda is back at this year’s prestigious Pan-African Robotics Competition (PARC) 2024 in Dakar, Senegal.
A team comprising three talented students and two dedicated coaches departed on July 25th to join the competition, which is hosting 94 teams from 25 African countries.
The team members are Shanice Asante Baluka from Heritage International School, Roshan Aitham Karoobi from The Stoneridge School, and Donald Intwari Buchanan from Aga Khan International School. They are accompanied by their coaches, Monica Arinaitwe and Anatori Tucungwire.
Invitation to PARC 2024
The teenagers and their coaches were invited to represent Uganda at the competition last month because of their prowess in Robotics and innovation.
“We are excited to extend a special invitation to join us for the 2024 Pan-African Robotics Competition (PARC)! Recognized as the largest robotics competition in Africa, PARC has educated over 2,500 African youth in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) over the past seven years. The competition began with participants from seven West African countries and has since expanded to include students from 37 countries across Africa and its diaspora,” wrote Mr. Mohamed Haoussa – PARC 2024 Coordinator.
PARC provides middle school, high school, and university students with a unique opportunity to learn and innovate using science and technology to solve real-world problems.
This year’s theme, “The Future is Here,” emphasizes the transformative power of robotics and artificial intelligence across four key subthemes: AgTech, EnergyTech, SporTech, and LogTech.
Competition Details
The competition will be held on July 28th at the NBA Africa Academy in Saly, Dakar. During their stay in Senegal, participants will be provided with accommodation, meals, and transportation.
PARC 2024 will feature multiple leagues such as PARC STARS: EnergyTech, Makers League: SPORTECH, Engineers League: AgTech and Techs League with VEX IQ Robotics Competition Rapid Relay.
Teams at PARC 2024 will engineer robots to navigate tasks similar to real-world scenarios in the oil and gas industry, innovate in the sports sector by enhancing player performance, equipment design, and fan engagement in soccer and basketball, and build software for the PARC AgRobot to autonomously navigate tomato fields and estimate crop yields using computer vision. Additionally, they will compete in a game that involves passing and scoring padded balls with robots.
“We know you’re a champion who thrives on challenges. PARC 2024 offers the perfect platform to showcase your skills and contribute to shaping a brighter future for Africa. We look forward to welcoming you and witnessing the incredible innovations from all participants,”Mr. Haoussa added.
Young Engineers Uganda CEO, Ms Maureen Karamagi lauded PARC 2024 and promised a great performance that will leave Uganda proud.
In 2023, we participated at the same competition and emerged and won a bronze medal. This time, we are aiming for gold as we continue to nurture the next generation of Ugandan scientists, innovators, problem solvers and creative thinkers,” Ms. Karamagi said.
Pan-African Robotics Competition
PARC is a premier youth robotics competition that unites students from middle schools, high schools, and universities across Africa and its diaspora. The competition challenges teams in the Tech, Stars, and Makers Leagues to solve real-world problems relevant to science, engineering, and sustainable development in Africa. Teams are evaluated based on their poster and oral presentations, as well as their robotics design and performance, with winners receiving prizes and scholarships.
Young Engineers Uganda
Run by the African School of Innovations, science and Technology Limited, Young Engineers Uganda is a dynamic STEM education program dedicated to nurturing innovation and technical skills among youth. Through hands-on learning experiences in robotics and engineering, the program empowers students to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, preparing them for future challenges and opportunities in these fields. By participating in competitions like the Pan-African Robotics Competition, Young Engineers Uganda is fostering creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, helping to shape the next generation of engineers and innovators in Uganda. It was founded in 2016 by Journalist Arinaitwe Rugyendo and has impacted over 2000 children in different schools around the central region of Uganda.
