St. Hugh’s Robotics Team's Journey to Turkey Gets a Boost from GenAc
Kingston, Jamaica: Students and teachers of the St Hugh’s Preparatory School Robotics Team are one step closer to representing Jamaica in Turkey for the World Robot Olympiad (WRO).
General Accident Assistant Manager & Underwriter, Kimone Gardner, presents a cheque valued at $100,000 to St Hugh’s Prep Principal, Sasha Wright on behalf of the General Accident Insurance Company at the Kingston-based preparatory school on Monday, September 9, 2024. The donation will assist in facilitating the school’s Robotic Team’s journey to Turkey to compete in the World Robot Olympiad (WRO).
The competition slated to be held in November 2024 aims to give students across the world the opportunity to develop their creativity and problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way. This year the WRO finals will be held in the city of Izmir, Türkiye from November 28 – 30, 2024 under the theme “Earth Allies”.
Affectionately nicknamed the Roboswans, the St Hugh’s Prep Robotics team consisting of two students and two teachers is working to raise over two million dollars to ensure their seat at the WRO.
Through the early sponsorship assistance of general insurance company, General Accident (GenAc) the 6th-grade students feel more secure that their journey to Turkey will become a reality.
Principal of St. Hugh’s Preparatory, Sasha Wright shared the importance of the team’s participation in the global competition.
“Our students have done very well in preparing for the WRO Jamaica, winning that competition and now they are practising, preparing and getting ready for the international leg. This competition will push them as they compete with teams from over 60 different countries, it is impossible to know how far you can go, how much you can achieve until you are in an environment that will push you and challenge you, this is what the WRO will do for our team – it will be an excellent opportunity,” Wright explained.
In January, GenAc donated three computers to St. Hugh’s Prep School, to assist members of the robotics programme who were preparing for an upcoming local competition. The then three-member team of students aged 10 and 11 went on to place first in the Elementary Category for primary and preparatory schools across Jamaica.
St. Hugh’s Prep Principal, Sasha Wright (right) and robotics team members accept General Accident’s donation towards their journey to Turkey with big smiles. Making the presentation on Monday, September 9, 2024 are General Accident’s Assistant Manager & Underwriter, Kimone Gardner (left) and Marketing Associate, ShaVaughn Rattigan (second left). The contribution sum will go in aid of the team’s attendance at the World Robot Olympiad in November.
This demonstrated commitment to education and development forms an important pillar for the general insurer who annually extends support to early childhood and primary education institutions. One such activity is its yearly participation in the Hour of Code global initiative. Through the Hour of Code session, GenAc staff members led by an adept IT representative from the Company provide children of a chosen primary school with introductory knowledge into the world of computer programming.
A strong proponent for technological advancement in its own operations, GenAc Managing Director, Sharon Donaldson was eager to answer the call for assistance from St Hugh’s Prep once again.
“At GenAc, we deeply believe in the transformative power of education and as the world trends further into science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and activities, our youth must be provided an equal opportunity to advance in these areas.”
“We also understand the value of challenging ourselves to be better through consistent learning and innovation. The St Hugh’s Robotics Team have proven themselves locally and are now ready to showcase their skills to the world. We are thrilled to support their journey and help them achieve their dreams,” Donaldson added.
As November nears, the Roboswans have secured 50% of the funds needed to pursue their journey and invite able sponsors to join them as they create history for their school and Jamaica.
“We are currently at 50% of our goal, and the countdown is on. So we are grateful to GenAc for stepping up and hope others will do the same,” Wright added.