Colombia: A Day That Changed a Life
In Colombia, the program extended, allowing older students to delve deeper into applied STEM learning. The enthusiasm was profound, culminating in a moment that truly captured the heart of our mission. One young boy, who traveled an hour and a half with his mother, personally thanked our team, sharing that it had been "the best day of his life." This powerful feedback underscored the profound impact that accessible, engaging STEM education can have on individual futures. It's moments like these that remind us of our "why."
Brazil: Embracing the Future, One Code at a Time
Our first venture into Brazil was an unforgettable experience, embracing a new culture and language with open arms. We were met by 21 incredibly enthusiastic 14-year-old students, with a fantastic majority being girls, ready to dive into the world of STEM. Despite the challenge of no internet access in one beautiful, historic school nestled in an Old Town setting, our program's adaptability shone through. Students, many coding for the very first time, gradually increased their momentum, hitting full speed during the autonomous rover mineral mining races – a true joy to witness!
What truly impressed us about this school was its culture of a safe psychological learning space. No student was afraid to "fail forward," nor were they teased for their successes. Instead, an air of encouragement and enthusiasm permeated the room as they rose to the challenge of developing coding skills and design solutions for their rovers. This positive energy was beautifully complemented by their genuine willingness to learn and the heartfelt gratitude expressed by every single student for the experience.
A particularly powerful moment occurred when a student, empowered by their newfound understanding, was able to voice the importance of internet access directly to the visiting mayor and a state official! This advocacy for their school's future was a significant win for the community, demonstrating the tangible impact of empowering young voices through STEM. Buswell says, “The long-lasting effect of empowering these young minds, particularly through industry-linked STEM initiatives, is immeasurable. It not only cultivates a future-ready talent pool but also directly benefits the communities in which partners like Orica and GroundProbe operate in South America, fostering stronger, more sustainable relationships and contributing to local prosperity for years to come."
Building a Sustainable Future, Together
This incredible journey through Latin America, from the initial sparks of innovation in Chile and Peru to the triumphant autonomous rover races in Colombia and Brazil, has reinforced the universal desire for knowledge and the transformative power of STEM education. It has been a privilege to witness students embrace skills for their future with enthusiasm and curiosity, developing their coding and design thinking abilities to tackle real-world challenges.
The success of the LATAM 2025 tour is a testament to the vision and unwavering support of our partners, the Orica Impact Fund and GroundProbe. Their commitment has provided invaluable opportunities to change children's lives through education, build strong, resilient communities, and cultivate a future workforce prepared for the demands of a rapidly evolving world. We extend our deepest gratitude to Orica and GroundProbe for enabling us to create such profound impact for STEM education in their communities.