The robotics team from Erica Primary School in Belhar is heading to Australia to represent South Africa in the Open Asia Championship.
Expanding to high schools
According to educator, Kaylin Phyfer, robotics started at the school in Belhar in 2022. “The club started with 20 learners from Grade 5 to 7. This allowed us to expand to high schools in our community and surrounds. We are fortunate to have seen growth of our robotics club and interest shown by the community.”
The team, known as Pixel Pi-oneers, entered the regional level of the First Lego League competition, which was held in October 2025. The competition was hosted by Protea Heights Academy and the Pixel-Pi-oneers led them to winning the Core Values award, which qualified them for the national competition in November 2025, held at the University of the Western Cape over two days. “The team needed to build, code and innovate an original idea linked to the theme of the season, ‘Unearthed’, which dives deeper into archaeology,” said Phyfer. “Their innovation and coding qualified them for an invitation to the Open Asia Pacific Championship, to be held in Sydney, Australia, in July 2026.”
Expenses
The team is scheduled to leave for Sydney on 6 July. “For this dream to become a reality, taking all expenses into consideration, the trip will cost R744 778,” Phyfer said. “As a club we have been fundraising to reach this goal. However there’s a long way to go still. We as a team and club need as much support as possible and to reach as many people as possible, to make this dream come true and provide endless opportunities for these bright minds.”
If you want to support the learners in their quest to reach Australia contact Kaylin on kaylinphyfer@gmail.com.
