Kiwibots spark passion for stem subjects
Energy company Powerco has partnered with two Palmerston North primary schools to bring the Kiwibots programme to tamariki.
Kiwibots work with schools and parents to encourage students to engage in stem subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in a fun way using robotics.
More than 2500 students take part in the nationwide programme.
Head of stakeholder relations and communications Oliver Vincent said Powerco was keen to foster interest in Stem subjects among tamariki.
‘‘We love supporting the next generation into stem subjects at schools, which could spark a passion and lead to a career in that field.
‘‘When the chance arose to provide Kiwibot resources to schools that would not have been able to get involved otherwise, we jumped at it.’’
Powerco is sponsoring two low-decile Palmerston North schools, Monrad Te Kura Waenga o Tirohanga and Roslyn School.
The support will provide two competition kits each, staff training and ongoing support, and registration for regional Kiwibot competitions.
National operations manager at Kiwibots, Michelle Hazeleger-mollard, said the schools were grateful for the support and the opportunities it gave their students.
‘‘Both of these kura are delighted to have robotics as part of their Stem education.
‘‘In fact Monrad Te Kura Waenga o Tirohanga are so keen that they built their robot in two weeks and are now signed up to compete at VEX IQ nationals in December.’’