5 minute read
PREPARING FUTURE-READY STUDENTS IN SPMS
by Pedriana Ximenes, 15-year-old Grade 12 at St Paul Methodist School. She loves to learn new things, like diving into a fascinating subject like biology, discovering different cuisines, or exploring the traditions and stories behind cultures around the world. It’s her way of staying inspired and connected to the world around her.
FIRST Global Challenge (FGC): An International Robotics Competition
We are Team Timor-Leste, proudly representing St Paul Methodist School (SPMS) and our country at the FIRST Global Challenge (FGC). Our team comprises four enthusiastic Grade 11 & 12 students: Francilio, Celya, Gervazio, and me (Pedriana). Entering the world of robotics has been an entirely new and thrilling journey for us.
SPMS was honoured to represent Timor-Leste in the FGC, an international robotics competition held in Athens from 26 to 29 September 2024. Now in its eighth year, this annual event is designed to encourage STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning, boost self-confidence, and enhance problem-solving skills among young people.
Thanks to the unwavering support and encouragement of our principal, Mr David Chan, we had this incredible opportunity to delve into robotics. Under the guidance of our mentor, Mr Isaac Chan, we worked tirelessly to learn, adapt, and grow. Our team had to build and programme a robot from scratch—a remarkable feat, especially for first-timers like us. We are proud to have placed 143rd among 190 participating countries. From mastering the basics to tackling real-world challenges, this journey has been truly transformative.
We are thrilled to share our accomplishments, connect with other teams, and continue learning as we represent Timor-Leste on this global stage. However, our path was not without its challenges.
Overcoming Challenges
The invitation to participate in the competition arrived only three weeks before the event, leaving us with minimal preparation time. Robotics was an entirely new field for us, and our lack of prior experience made it challenging to grasp advanced concepts and apply them effectively.
The short timeframe created intense pressure as we had to quickly learn the fundamentals of robotics, design solutions, and construct functional models. Limited resources and equipment added to the difficulty, as gathering the necessary tools on such short notice was a challenge.
Coordinating as a team under these conditions required extra effort. Dividing tasks and managing responsibilities efficiently was a steep learning curve. Additionally, we had to bridge significant knowledge gaps in programming, mechanics, and electronics to meet the demands of the competition.
Despite these obstacles, the experience taught us invaluable lessons in teamwork, time management, and problem-solving— skills that will benefit us in future endeavours. We are grateful to God for helping us accomplish so much in just five days!
Team Reflections
How did it feel to be part of this competition?
Francilio: I felt incredibly excited and honoured to be part of the FIRST Global Challenge 2024. This competition unites young people from around the world to collaborate and address global challenges, which is truly inspiring. It was a chance to apply my STEM skills, learn from others, and contribute to a global mission. Representing Timor-Leste in Greece was an amazing experience, as I shared ideas with people from diverse cultures and embraced the spirit of collaboration and innovation.
What was your experience during the competition?
Gervazio: The competition was both challenging and rewarding. Collaborating with my team to solve problems under pressure was a memorable learning experience. It was exciting to see the creative robots designed by other teams and exchange strategies. Overall, the event was educational and fun. Building and programming our robot taught me critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. I can’t wait to participate again!
What challenges did you face during your trip?
Pedriana: This was our first time travelling abroad, so we had to adjust to many new experiences. Flying for the first time was particularly challenging as we had to get used to turbulence, which was unfamiliar and unsettling. Adapting to different food and a new environment was also a learning curve.
Being new to robotics meant we faced many unknowns, making the learning process difficult. Fortunately, Team Cambodia extended their support and guidance, which motivated us to persevere and underscored the value of teamwork and collaboration. While we encountered moments where others underestimated us, we are proud to have overcome these challenges and to represent Timor-Leste on the global stage.
This journey has been one of resilience, adaptability, and faith in ourselves.
Lessons Learned
This journey has been one of resilience, adaptability, and faith in ourselves. We are immensely grateful to God for this unforgettable experience.
About St Paul Methodist School, Timor-Leste
A school established by MMS to provide formal education with Christian morals and principles for children from remote villages. (www.spmstl.org)
Editor’s Note: Team Cambodia also participated in FGC. One of the members was from the Methodist School of Cambodia. Read his article on page 08 of Harvest Force 2025 Issue 1.
