Inspiring more girls into robotics was the challenge of the Indigenous sparks ™ program for 2018. Led by Dr Lim and his team of graduates at Waikato University, our girls from Bay of plenty and Hawkesbay regions took up the challenge toward designing a future-focused mechatronic robot that can assist in keeping our rivers and beaches clean.

The PTC workshop included hands-on activities, robotics demonstrations and construction of their first robot as we utilised the experience to showcase how exciting it is to be involved with STEM and how young women can change the world.

And enjoyed themselves they did as youths were inspired to reach upward and innovate. The value of such a workshop was recognised and featured in the Rotorua post and Waikato news.

Ada Lovelace, for example, was the world’s first computer programmer and a symbolic figure for many females who desire to enter the field of engineering.

Ada Lovelace Day (ALD) is an international celebration of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). It aims to increase the profile of women in STEM and, in doing so, create new role models who will encourage more girls into STEM careers and support women already working in STEM. This year, ALD Live! will be held on 9 October, at The IET in London.

The Women in Engineering  Snapshot series report 'that women are under-represented at all levels in the engineering profession. Not only that, but the gender pay gap in the engineering industry is higher than the national average'.

Our young girls were enthusiastic workers, working well together to complete their task according to design specifications. Every investment made in our your girls is an investment in a bright future for NZ in science and robotics.

The girls were delighted to hear that their workshop has been featured in the Rotorua Daily Post, with many enjoying their first taste of engineering.