LAST Saturday, the TEENage team had the opportunity to build our own robots!

You’re probably thinking “that’s impossible”, but yes, with the help of the team from Halls of Learning, which offers the Lego Yuh Mind Day, we built our robots from Legos and got them to move.

Lego Yuh Mind is a hands-on learning experience that teaches aspects of science, mathematics, technology and art. In addition, students also benefit from the development of problem-solving skills, teamwork and friendly competition.

The initiative, which started in 2004 is the only one of its kind and has benefited over 1,300 children from various backgrounds through summer programmes, after-school programmes and inner-city outreach activities.

On our TEENage Lego Yuh Mind Day, each team had three persons and had to use the pieces and a special computer-based programme to help build the robot, then programme it to move forward, backward and make turns. During the process we had to purchase our parts, work together to put it in one piece, and then of course figure out the particulars to get it going.

At the recent launch, minister of state in the ministry of science, technology, energy and mining Julian Robinson commended Halls of Learning for Lego Yuh Mind Day stating that he believes the programme gives young people the tools to stimulate their minds.

“We are lagging behind in areas of science and technology. But I am glad to see that through this programme even the least advantaged will have the chance to participate and get exposure opening opportunities for the creation of products and technology to be sold around the world,” Robinson said.

Founder of Halls of Learning Marvin Hall somewhat reiterated what Minister Robinson said, explaining that the aim is to have one million youth know how to build and programme their own autonomous robot.

He mentioned that although the Lego Yuh Mind Day is a one-day workshop within the schools, Halls of Learning also offers scholarships to various communities for young people to have a two-week learning experience in robotics. So far, 80 scholarships have been given and as more young people become interested, Hall expects the programme to grow and offer even more opportunities.

Lego Yuh Mind Day will be conducted in various phases with phase one from March 2 to June 1. It will offer 540 children in 12 schools the opportunity to build and programme their own robots. The schools involved are Camperdown High, Vauxhall High, Dunoon Technical, Denham Town High, Alpha Convent of Mercy, St Hugh’s High, St George’s High, Kingston College, Holy Trinity High, Wolmer’s Girls, Kingston High and Central Branch All-Age.

Hall stated that he is very grateful for his supportive team which includes Sarah Hall, Leighton Gray, Percival Robinson, Jason Turpin and Chungknight. At the launch PanCaribbean donated $300,000 to the project.