Thousands of 5th and 6th graders to learn to programme robots

Thousands of 5th and 6th graders to learn to programme robots

About 7,500 fifth and sixth graders will learn to programme robots that can draw during Europe Code Week, to be held from 5 to 20 October 2019. The primary school pupils, supervised by volunteers, will do programming, assemble the robots, connect the electronics and, especially, experiment with the mechanical artists they have created.

Organised by the WeGoSTEM non-profit association, the exercise is aimed at getting the children to love science and technology in a creative way, the association said on Monday in a press release.

"In short: WeGoSTEM is challenging students in all aspects of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics),” the association explained. “The enthusiasm of children who see their own robot move for the first time is contagious.”

"The WeGOSTEM project fits perfectly into the Digital Belgium action plan,” aimed at making digital technology accessible to all, Belgium’s Minister in charge of the Digital Agenda, Alexander De Croo, said. “The aim of such a project is to allow the largest number of children possible to live a digital experience and arouse their interest in science and technology,” added the Deputy Prime Minister.

The project is also in line with Wallonia’s digital strategy, Digital Wallonia, which aims “to prepare not only our businesses but also our youths for the future,” Wallonia’s Minister for Digital Matters, Pierre-Yves Jeholet, recalled.

WeGOSTEM is a joint project of Dwengo, a non-profit that develops electronic and educational equipment to familiarise young people with computer science and robotics, and SheGoesIT, which aims to reduce the gender gap, especially in digital jobs.

The project’s organisers are currently looking for over 500 volunteers to lead the programming workshops and supervise the young students.


The Brussels Times


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