Expanding FIRST LEGO League (FLL)

Alongside starting Rwanda's FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) program, I have also had the opportunity to help expand the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) program.

Last year, STEM Inspires launched the first 35 FLL teams in the country, so the goal this year has been to return to those 35 schools to get them ready for the new season, as well as to visit 65 new schools to bring them materials and introduce the program. It has been wonderful to introduce this program to all of the kids at these schools because I remember how excited I was when I first started FLL. 

FLL started my love for STEM, shaped the rest of my middle and high school experience, and is the reason why I am going to college to study engineering. It is amazing to see that same excitement in all of the kids in FLL in Rwanda, and I'm happy that I can help mentor them as they develop their STEM passion and skills.

Starting FLL in Benin

Aside from being able to start new teams, one of the most exciting updates is the launch of the first FLL teams in Benin. Thanks to the success of Rwanda's FLL program and championship in 2023, there was interest in Benin for the creation of a similar program. In December 2023, STEM Inspires hired Prudence, a robotics trainer in Benin. Prudence visited us in Rwanda for a week in December to get experience teaching FLL as we went to several schools, and then returned to Benin with several FLL kits.

What's Next?

As I begin my last month in Rwanda, the top priority will be to help get all the teams ready for their competitions in early March. However, many schools have not yet received their materials, so much of my time will be spent going to those schools, giving them their materials, and introducing them to the FIRST Lego League (FLL) program.