Today, 17 July  2023 , DG REB, Dr. Nelson Mbarushimana officially opened the bootcamp on coding and robotics for primary school children, focusing on P5 students.  

Coding and robotics are immersive programs designed to introduce young minds to the exciting world of technology, programming and robotics. Coding and robotics use hands-on activities and interactive projects to engage students. This approach allows students to explore concepts from Science, Technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in an hands-on and engaging manner.

This program is inline with the upcoming integration of robotics in the national curriculum in schools. The bootcamp brings together 50 children who have completed P5 from ten (10) different schools located in Kigali from 17^th to 28^th July 2023 and from 15^th to 25^th August 2023, weekends excluded. The participants will be into two different cohorts. Each cohort will have 25 children from selected schools, for 10 days each phase.

The bootcamp is an innovative program to keep children busy during their holidays in a more efficient manner. It serves as not only an academic reinforcement opportunity, but also it can be an environment where children will explore and engage in activities beyond the regular curriculum, an opportunity for students to delve deeper into their areas of interest, develop new skills and explore potential career paths. The bootcamp enhances social interaction and networking by bringing together children from different schools to interact, collaborate and share similar interests.

The objectives of this specific coding and robotics bootcamp are:To introduce children to the fundamental concepts of coding and robotics in a fun way; To foster critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork skills among children; Cultivate creativity and innovation through hands-on projects and challenges; Spark interest and passion for STEM subjects at early age; To provide a supportive learning environment for children.

It is also expected that at the end of the bootcamp, students will demonstrate their skills to the parents, in a live session which will be held in the REB studio. The session will be recorded and will be used as reference and for further demonstration.

Speaking with these children, DG REB, Dr. Nelson Mbarushimana said : “You are the future engineers, you really have to use this opportunity, we will be with you and your parents will also be on your side.”

The proposed activities for the bootcamp include the following: All three First Lego League program aspects: Robot, Project, Core Values ; How to build a beginner robot using SPIKE PRIME ; How to pseudocode a robot task ; How to program using a color, ultrasonic, and touch sensor; How to use the available sensors to complete specific tasks.

The 2023 bootcamp is the first organized by REB but it is expected that it will be an annual event to take advantage of school holidays and empower students with extra-curricular skills which will have further impact to their social learning.

REB will continue to partners with different stakeholders to continue motivate and inspire children, igniting their curiosity, sparking their passion for learning and encouraging them to pursue their goals with renewed enthusiasm, without interrupting their time to rest, relax and for other recreational activities.

DG REB, Dr. Nelson Mbarushimana together with REB Senior Managers interacting with students.

Students are willing to experience high enjoyment in this bootcamp of coding and robotics

Students were accompanied by their teachers and parents