Story by Farai Gwaze
HISTORY-making students from Emerald Hill School for the Deaf have returned home after winning the prestigious Judges’ Award at the 2025 First Global Robotics Challenge in Panama, showcasing Zimbabwe’s commitment to inclusive education under the Second Republic.
The students have since received their awards for a stellar performance in not only progressing in the competition and being awarded, but as the only hearing-impaired collective that competed.
“Initially it was tough to learn robotics as it was a new subject. We learnt by making a small robot and later on through communication with our coach, we ended learning how to work with a robot. In Panama, we had a challenge with communication, but we solved it by using note pads and easy signs,” team member, Tanatswa Mutsvunguma said.
“I am very happy and proud that we represented the country and that we won the Judges award. I’m happy to have interacted with different cultures and teams,” team captain, Mufaro Makwema notes.
“Robotics was a lot of fun and I enjoyed flying for the first time. It took three flights to get to Panama city and that experience was awesome for me,” another team member, Rosemary Mugova said.
Educators at the school are grateful for the team’s performance in Panama, but also acknowledge the integral incorporation of Education 5.0 model in helping students perform as well as they did.
“It was wonderful to represent the country and embrace robotics which is a science, part of STEM and embraces education 5.0 which is all about being innovative, creative and problem solving,” mentor, Ms Prisca Sinyoro noted.
The amazing achievement by these students in Panama, acknowledges the accomplishments made by the Second Republic, ensuring no one and no place is left behind.
