SUHAR: Omani students are ready to showcase their talents on the world stage for the 2024 FIRST Global Challenge, an esteemed international robotics competition taking place in Athens, Greece, from September 25 to 29.
The South Al Batinah team will be representing Oman this year, under the guidance of the Ministry of Education. Themed ‘Feeding the Future,’ the event will unite over 180 countries in a collaborative effort to tackle global challenges through science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).
The South Al Batinah Robotics Team is led by Abdullah Al Abri, an Innovation and Scientific Olympiad Specialist, who shared that the team comprises six dedicated Grade 11 students from Al Amal Basic Education School.
These students were selected through a rigorous interview process conducted by a central committee. The team has already begun addressing some of the competition’s challenges, including those related to social media and technology, which commenced virtually in June.
Fakhriya Al Shaibaniya, a Senior Chemistry Teacher and assistant coach, underscored the competition's role in promoting STEAM education and its importance in solving real-world problems. She highlighted that the FIRST Global Challenge offers young Omanis a rare opportunity to develop essential skills, foster global communication and collaboration, and exchange knowledge and cultures with peers from around the world.
The team members have expressed their excitement and shared how profoundly the competition has impacted them. Layan Al Hinaeya described the event as a ‘fertile global community’ where knowledge exchange and challenges go hand in hand. She explained how the team leveraged social media to connect with leaders in robotics and sustainable food, raising awareness on both local and global levels.
Jana Al Balushi emphasised that the competition has significantly enhanced her English communication skills and deepened her understanding of scientific and environmental concepts. She also pointed out the cultural exchange aspect, with the team conducting 22 introductory sessions to showcase Omani traditions and values, including its rich heritage and the role of women in leadership.
The competition has also equipped the team with invaluable technical skills.
Sara Al Siyabi shared how her participation has sharpened her abilities in robotics, artificial intelligence, and design — skills that are crucial for future career paths. The experience also provided the opportunity to share their newly acquired knowledge with peers through STEAM workshops.
Renad Al Riyami, a supporting team member, reflected on the team’s interactions with participants from around the globe, noting how the competitive and collaborative environment honed their skills in time management, planning, and task organization. Reem added that the technology challenge focused on pressing environmental issues like the migration of palm fields and pest infestations, which have serious implications for Oman’s food security. With support from local institutions, the team developed an innovative and sustainable solution to these challenges.
Oman’s participation in the 2024 FIRST Global Challenge is a platform for young Omanis to contribute to a better future through innovation, collaboration, and cultural exchange. This effort reflects the nation’s commitment to addressing global challenges with local ingenuity.
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