A local robotics enthusiast hopes to spark curiosity about science and technology among young people by hosting robotics workshops during the upcoming school holidays at Longbeach Mall.
The workshops, which will run from Saturday 28 March to Friday 3 April, are aimed at children and teenagers between the ages of 10 and 18, and will introduce them to the basics of robotics, electronics and computer-controlled machines, said organiser Neil van Schoor from Glencairn.
The organiser, who works full-time in a factory in Montague Gardens, said his passion for science began during his school years. Although he loved mathematics and science, he struggled academically and received poor marks.
However, when given the opportunity to take part in practical science projects he excelled. While still at high school, he built a robot that won a national science competition. The achievement earned him a trip to Johannesburg for an awards ceremony and an appearance on the television programme Good Morning South Africa.
Despite this success his final school marks – including 49% for mathematics and science – were not high enough to qualify for tertiary studies in those fields.
About a decade ago, he rekindled his interest in science, reading extensively about astronomy, robotics and related subjects. Over time he found that concepts he once struggled to understand began to make sense.
“I suppose I was just a late bloomer,” he said.
Now 53, he hopes to pass on his enthusiasm for science to younger generations. He believed it was important for children to understand the technology that increasingly shapes their lives.
“Children today are surrounded by technology that they don’t always understand,” he explained. “If we want the next generation to shape the future, they need to learn how these things work.”
He currently teaches robotics in his spare time, after work, over during weekends and holidays, with hopes of eventually doing it full-time.
During the school holiday programme, participants will attend a 45-minute introductory session where they will be introduced to robots such as TURL-X, CYBERSPIDER and a robotic arm, while learning about electricity, computers and motors.
A separate constructor session will give participants the opportunity to build a robot from scratch by assembling parts and connecting components.
The workshops aim to encourage creativity, exploration and hands-on learning while inspiring young people to pursue science and technology in future.
