By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
A team of students from Zimuto High School is set to represent Zimbabwe at the prestigious World Robotics Olympiad in Turkey this morning. The students have designed a robot that can detect toxic gases in mine shafts, a critical innovation that could help address environmental challenges and improve safety for mine workers.
In an interview, Theophilus Beans, a member of the student team, acknowledged the role of education 5.0, a mordenised education system that enabled their success.
“It is because of the education system that has been introduced, the use of the internet and application of ICT, that we are now able to implement what we are learning at an international level,” he said.
Beans further explained how their robot is designed to tackle environmental issues such as climate change, a key concern globally.
“We are coming up with robotics that are able to bring solutions to the problems faced at a global level. For example, our robot will solve problems that have to do with the environment,” he stated.
The students expressed their excitement at the opportunity to represent Zimbabwe at the World Robotics Olympiad, aligning with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s mantra that “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” (The country is built by its own people).
“We are very glad to represent the country in something that is very developmental and something that is expected of the youth, rather than taking drugs and substances,” Beans added.
This achievement by the Zimuto High School students is a testament to the progress Zimbabwe is making in modernising its education system and nurturing the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. Their journey to the World Robotics Olympiad is a source of pride for the nation and a glimpse into the bright future of Zimbabwean youth.