Doreen’s Journey in STEM Leadership at the FIRST Global Robotics Competition in Athens

Doreen, a Form 3 student at SEGA, proudly represented Tanzania in the 2024 FIRST Global Challenge, a prestigious robotics competition held in Athens, Greece, from September 26th to 29th. The event brought together students from over 190 countries to compete under the theme “Feeding the Future.” Organized by FIRST Global, a nonprofit focused on promoting STEM education, the competition emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and inclusivity, encouraging young minds to collaborate and tackle global challenges.

For Doreen, being chosen to participate in this global competition was both thrilling and unexpected. Living in Morogoro with her aunt and uncle, she dreams of becoming a pilot, and now her passion for science and technology is already leading her down an exciting path. "When I first heard that I was selected to participate in a robotics competition, I was surprised and excited because I do love STEM," Doreen shared, reflecting on the moment she realized her journey in STEM was about to reach new heights.

Representing her school and country in an international competition was no small feat. Doreen was overjoyed but understood high expectations were resting on her shoulders. "It was awesome representing SEGA and Tanzania, though it was not an easy task because everyone expected a lot from us," she recalls. The pressure didn’t diminish her excitement; it only made her more determined to succeed.

Building the robot for the competition was demanding and full of technical obstacles. Doreen’s team encountered persistent issues with the lifting mechanism and programming challenges, compounded by equipment difficulties. When the chain-based lifting mechanism failed, the team quickly adapted, switching to a rope and refining their design by observing other teams. Their resilience and collaborative approach helped them navigate the setbacks and improve their robot’s functionality. 

The competition, however, was more than just overcoming technical hurdles. It offered Doreen and her teammates a unique chance to connect with students from over 190 countries, exchanging ideas, learning about diverse cultures, and understanding different approaches to robotics. This global collaboration broadened Doreen’s perspective, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and effective communication in solving complex problems.

Doreen’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills were tested throughout the competition, particularly when addressing the lifting mechanism's failure. "The moment where my critical thinking was tested was when we had to come up with a solution for the lifting mechanism," she recalls. Overcoming these challenges boosted her confidence and pushed her to think creatively under pressure, enhancing her ability to tackle difficult situations.

The experience enhanced Doreen’s technical skills and deepened her love for STEM. She began to see how these fields could be used to solve real-world problems now and in the future. "This experience helped me to see how STEM is very important now and, in the future, it also made me think about the challenges my community faces and how I can solve them through STEM," she says.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the competition for Doreen was realizing the powerful role that young women can play in STEM. Before, she may have viewed technology and engineering as male-dominated fields, but her experience changed that perspective. "I saw that young women can become experts, innovators, and provide solutions to pressing problems," she shares. Seeing so many other girls participating in the competition reinforced her belief that women are crucial in shaping STEM's future.

Reflecting on her journey, Doreen offers advice to girls who are interested in STEM but might feel intimidated by STEM. She says, "Success doesn’t start on an even playing field. What matters most is passion, courage, and confidence to pursue something great. The future is in our hands, and through STEM, we can create a better world," she says.

Looking ahead, Doreen is excited to continue exploring robotics and STEM. She hopes to volunteer and mentor other Tanzanian students in future robotics competitions, helping to raise awareness about opportunities in STEM fields. "I plan to make people in Tanzania aware of the robotics competition because I have seen that many are unaware of it," she explains.

Doreen’s journey at the First Global Robotics Competition is an inspiring example of how STEM education can open doors and empower young women to become technology leaders. Her experience has not only deepened her love for STEM but also strengthened her desire to help others realize their potential, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the future.

Nurturing Minds and SEGA Girls’ School are seeking volunteers for a 10-day STEM Adventures at SEGA Program in Morogoro, Tanzania from June 19th to 29th, 2025. This engaging volunteer program is filled with fun activities and experiments to encourage SEGA students to pursue a bright future in STEM! Click here to sign up to volunteer or learn more.