Marvin Hall (centre) of Halls of Learning explains the operation of the robots made by his students to president and chief executive officer of Scotiabank, William Clarke and Marie Powell, vice president of corporate affairs and marketing, at the Jones Town Center for Learning in Kingston on Monday. - CONTRIBUTED
JAMAICA'S FIRST inner-city robotics team, based in Jones Town Kingston, is now making last minute preparations to attend the FIRST LEGO League Robotics Competition in California.
The team consisting of five boys and two girls along with their team coach Mr. Marvin Hall from Halls of Leaning will leave the island this Thursday, for the San Jose City College in California where they will compete against 40 other teams.
The members of the team showed off their skills to president and CEO of Scotiabank, Mr. William Clarke who visited the children at the Jones Town Agency For Change in Jones Town yesterday.
Mr. Clarke went to meet the children and to share with them the news that Scotiabank would cover the costs of the trip in the amount of US$11,548 or approximately $719,000. Up to last Thursday, the team was unsure of funds to cover the cost of the trip.
MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE
He said Scotiabank was pleased to be able to offer assistance to the students and it was an opportunity to make their dreams come true, especially as it was their first time travelling outside of the Jamaica. He also said he was impressed with the project and urged the students to share their knowledge with the classmates and members of their community.
Meanwhile, the team coach, Mr. Marvin Hall said the team had been preparing since October last year, attending lectures, going on field trips and conducting research on the theme of improper garbage disposal and its effect on their community. Their presentation will focus on operating robots on an ocean floor and the title of this year's challenge is Ocean Odyssey.
The members of the team, ages ranging from 10 to 14 years old are Prince Samuels of Kingston College; Shamari Thompson of Central Branch All Age; Shuwayne Crawford of John Mills Primary & Junior High; Theoni Ellis of Mel Nathan Preparatory; Percival Robinson of Vauxhall High School; Kaytana Taylor of Alpha High School and Steve Nelson of Tivoli High School.
