How two El Hogar students ended up competing in a global robotics competition in Greece
El Hogar has been actively exploring ways to integrate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, ART, Math) education into its curriculum to better prepare its students for an ever-evolving world.
In collaboration with the local Spark STEAM in a Box organization, El Hogar students in grades 11 and 12 took part in a three-week pilot program on Saturday mornings, with the intention that they would later share the program with younger students at the Technical Institute.
Spark’s founder, Ana Maria Cardona, was sufficiently impressed by our students’ abilities, character, and the El Hogar program overall that she selected two students, Angie Casco and Henry Vásquez, to join Team Honduras and compete at the eighth-annual FIRST Global Challenge – an Olympics-style international robotics competition taking place in Athens. Learn more about the theme of the 2024 event, Feeding the Future.
FIRST Global is a US-based non-profit established by the founder of FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), Dean Kamen, that inspires leadership and innovation in youth from all nations by empowering them through STEM education.
Watch how Angie and Henry reacted when their names were announced
To prepare, Angie and Henry and some of their classmates participated in a 15-week training program leading up to the competition at the end of September.
It was an extraordinary moment for El Hogar when these two teenagers and their teammates proudly carried the Honduran flag into the open-air arena on September 27, alongside teams from 190+ other countries.
Watch this overview of the 2024 First Global Challenge
Executive Director Denise Vargas explains what this transformative opportunity meant to these students: “Angie and Henry now know what it feels like to hold their country’s flag and represent it in foreign ground, and to hold the goals of a team above their own and face challenges together under pressure.”
The global robotics opportunity proves that El Hogar can indeed break down barriers. That potential and determination can transcend economic and social limitations. That with the right support and opportunities, our students can achieve greatness on an international stage.
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El Hogar is now celebrating 45 years of evolving as it steadfastly pursues its unwavering mission of serving Honduran youth from the most underserved communities. Please partner with us in helping build the country’s next generation of leaders.
12 Lonsdale Road, Toronto, Ontario M4V 1W3 | (905) 220-7164 | Email
Charitable registration number: 82912 1110 RR0001
