Classroom theory was transformed into hands-on innovation for students who competed in the Guyana Monaco Mousetrap Grand Prix on Thursday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
A total of 16 secondary schools – with four of them from the hinterland regions – competed in the competition focused on engineering and creativity and the use of miniature race-cars powered by a mousetrap. For many of them, this was more than a competition. It was a glimpse into their future as engineers, technicians among other careers.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., in his feature address told the students that the journey they are beginning now has long-term significance.
“Every single thing that you are doing here, this is where it begins the engineering, the geology, the innovation, the teamwork, all of that is helping to make you better but it’s also making us better,” the minister said.
The Guyana Monaco Mousetrap Grand Prix is one of the country’s most impactful STEM initiatives as it lets students apply science, engineering, and innovation to solve real-world problems. It is modeled after the international engineering challenge held every year in Monaco. This year it will be in April and the top performers will have an opportunity to participate.
This local leg is hosted by SBM Offshore Guyana in collaboration with the Ministries of Culture, Youth and Sport, and Education.
Ramson Jr. also said that the scale of national investment in young people is significant and noted that more than 8,000 youths have already been trained in coding and robotics. With the growth of the oil and gas sector, he encouraged students to re-imagine what their futures could look like with the hope of becoming well-rounded professionals capable of leading Guyana’s development.
SBM Offshore Guyana’s General Manager, Martin Cheong said that the competition closely reflects how challenges are tackled in today’s industries. Therefore this competition is preparing the students for the future.
“The experience gained here, mirrors how solutions are developed in modern industries each of you is taking an important step to that direction.
“We want this experience to leave a lasting impact, the competition opens doors to future opportunities in engineering, technology, energy and beyond,” he said.
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