Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) in partnership with Coderina and STEM Inspires, is organizing the First Lego League Competition (FLL) program second edition which will take place on 16^th March 2024 at INTARE CONFRENCE ARENA from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm where the 25 winner teams from the competition at regional level will be selected to participate to the competition at the National level and it is expected that participant from the top 2 winner teams at National level will participate to the FLL competition at an international level that will be held in USA, Houston Texas from 17^th to 20^th April 2024.

Aligned with the "Masterpiece" theme, 2024 year's program challenges students to become inventors and creators. Teams will utilize their problem-solving abilities and technological prowess to design and build innovative solutions, further igniting their imagination and creativity while aligning with the theme's focus on artistic expression and engineering ingenuity.

To promote STEM education, to enhance problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork skills, to provide opportunities for students to engage with real-world challenges, to foster a passion for innovation and creativity and to cultivate creativity, innovation, and competition culture through projects are the objectives of FLL program in African countries.

In the launching of First Lego League Program for the first time, Honorable Minister Twagirayezu Gaspard witnessed the power of youth. “If we give the right platform, the right motivation to young people they can do miracles. We have seen different talents from different participants; but the most important is that what we are celebrating today is championed by the youth”. Hon. Gaspard concurred

This is not only the competition we are launching but is a shared vision where Science, Mathematics and Technology empower us to overcome challenges that we have in our societies. Technology, economic growth and other achievement we can list, it starts with young people by giving them the right motivation, the right platform to flourish and be able to do what are capable to do in order to reach their dreams. Hon. Minister Gaspard added

When students were showing us what they can, I have seen that it is not neither Robots nor Science but I have seen the range of the lessons that they learn in their respective schools, working together, figuring out the problem and find out the solution as a team, be able to present the solution and tell how to overcome the problem. The only better way to raise our young people is to teach them lessons as they are prepared but also tune and encourage them to use technology not only as a lesson but also as a tool that can help them to solve problems among the societies. Hon. Minister concluded

Director General of Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) Dr. Mbarushimana Nelson blessed the First Lego League championship Rwanda by encouraging the students to utilize the available opportunities and he told them that the country will continue to put in place whatever will be needed as much as possible for their great achievements. Coding and robotics will enter in Rwandan curriculum just in the next coming academic year.

Building on its successful inauguration in 2023, the Second Edition of the First LEGO League (FLL) in Rwanda promises to further ignite a passion for STEM among young minds. This globally recognized program, established worldwide in 1998 and now spanning over 110 countries, is a partnership between FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) and the LEGO Group. Through engaging robotics challenges, real-world problem-solving, and exciting competition, FLL equips students with critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation skills – essential for future success.

Demonstrating a commitment to national inclusivity, the second edition significantly expands its reach to over 100 schools across all 30 Rwandan districts. This impressive expansion ensures broader geographical and demographic representation, encompassing both public and private schools. FLL directly engages over 1,000 students, empowering them through hands-on learning and fostering the development of crucial skills. Additionally, 200 teachers receive specialized training to effectively guide and mentor students throughout their FLL journey, maximizing the program's impact.

The Second Edition of FLL in Rwanda underscores the country's unwavering commitment to nurturing a generation of young innovators and problem solvers. By significantly expanding its reach, investing in teacher training, and fostering a spirit of collaboration, FLL empowers young minds to shape a brighter future for themselves and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of STEM fields in Rwanda and beyond.

Building upon the first edition's success, the "Masterpiece" challenge (second edition) held across multiple centers in Rwanda, fostering inclusivity and regional participation. FLL Competition at Regional Level is planned to be held from 2^nd to 10^th March 2024 in selected centers (schools) from different provinces as follows: 2^nd March 2024: City of Kigali (Hilltop Hotel) and Eastern Province (Kayonza Modern School), 9^th March 2024: Western Province (College de Gisenyi and GS St Joseph Nyamasheke) then 10^th March 2024: Northern and Southern Province (ESc St Vincent Muhoza and GSO Butare).

Benefits of Participating in FLL are such as development of Crucial Skills and Building a Foundation for Future Success

While developing crucial skills, there will be critical thinking and Problem-Solving by analyzing situations, brainstorm solutions, and test ideas iteratively, collaboration and Teamwork while communicating clearly, distribute tasks effectively, work together towards a common goal and innovation and Creativity by think outside the box, come up with creative solutions to complex problems, and express oneself through design and invention.

To build a Foundation for Future Success, Rwandan students will continuously have STEM Skills and Interest by gaining exposure to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) concepts in a fun and interactive manner.

Students will have the package of 21st Century Skills in communication, Collaboration, Problem-Solving and be able to develop essential skills for future success. They will show confidence and Self-Esteem by gaining confidence in abilities and self-expression. In resilience and perseverance future Rwandans will be able to overcome challenges, learn from mistakes, and persist through setbacks. They will also learn through Play where they will engage in a fun and interactive learning environment. There will be Global Connection and Cultural Exchange where our learners will interact with students from other countries.

The First LEGO League (FLL) program is an internationally recognized initiative designed to inspire and engage young minds in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). FLL challenges students to explore real-world problems, research solutions, and build and program LEGO robots to accomplish specific missions. The program fosters problem solving, teamwork, critical thinking, creativity, and a passion for STEM among participants.

By participating in FLL, students gain a range of valuable skills and experiences that prepare them for success in the future and contribute to a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

PICTURES OF REGIONAL COMPETITION IN CITY OF KIGLI AT HILLTOP HOTEL

PICTURES OF REGIONAL COMPETITION IN EASTERN PROVINCE AT KAYONZA MODERN SCHOOL