‘Happy’ Afghan girls compete at robotics meet after US visa woes
WASHINGTON: Huddled around a small table in the halls of a cavernous Washington concert hall, a group of Afghan teenage girls tweak gears and sprockets on their radio-controlled robot, hoping to best the competition.
But the six proud nerds from war-torn Afghanistan’s western province of Herat almost didn’t make it to the US capital for the chance to battle other high school students from around the world.
Twice denied US visas until a late intervention by President Donald Trump’s administration, they are now hoping to set an example for girls in their ultra-conservative country.
Even in a venue crowded with hundreds of teens, the Afghans were difficult to miss on Monday in their bright blue T-shirts paired with white hijabs — and trailed wherever they go by a throng of journalists.
“Robotics is a field that is part of my life. I’m so happy to be here and participate against the other teams,” 15-year-old Lida Azizi said, adding she was a “bit nervous” about taking part in her first competition. “I’m happy to come and represent Afghanistan,” chimed in 14-year-old Fatema Qaderyan.
The plight of the Afghan team had made headlines around the world after it appeared to underscore the negative consequences of stricter visa policies for Muslim countries under Trump.
The US leader recently succeeded in passing a limited version of a long-touted travel ban — temporarily barring visitors from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen without a “bona fide” US connection and all refugees — pending a hearing by the Supreme Court.
Afghanistan was not on the list, but critics contended the frequency of such refusals undermined the administration’s pledge to empower women. A team from Gambia was also temporarily barred. Eventually, however, all 163 teams — including those from Iran, Sudan and a team of Syrian refugees — were granted visas.
On Monday, teams from around the world jostled into Washington’s historic DAR Constitution Hall, excited to test their skills on laser-lit stages as a sportscaster provided live commentary. Between rounds, some traded tips and tricks on modifications to make the most of their kit-built devices.
The competition tests multiple skill sets — programming the machines, adjusting the hardware to manoeuvre more efficiently, and dexterity in controlling the devices while under time pressure.
Alireza Mehraban, the Afghan team “mentor”, explained his team was selected from a tough school competition featuring 150 students. The group was cut to a shortlist of 20 before the final six were picked.
And unlike their counterparts from wealthier countries, the Afghans had unique problems they had to contend with, such as a lack of some basic equipment.
“We up-cycled material and used trash,” said Mehraban, explaining how the team created a simple suction device using a Coca-Cola bottle.
They also lacked match preparation, added Roya Mahboob, an Afghan tech entrepreneur who helped organize the visit.