Bodo, Norway – May 17, 2024: The “Sirius” team from Socrate High School in Moldova has triumphed at the FIRST LEGO League Open European Championship, securing the 1st Place Award in Robot Design. This prestigious event, held from May 13th to 17th in Bodo, Norway, brought together the top 50 robotics teams from across Europe.
The FIRST® LEGO® League competition, known as the largest science and technology contest for children and youth, spans 110 countries. Moldova’s Sirius team, consisting of five talented students and two dedicated mentors, showcased their exceptional skills and creativity, earning international acclaim.
The National Educational Robotics Program in Moldova has been a cornerstone in cultivating young talent in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) fields. Launched in 2014, the program initially integrated robotics into the curriculum as an optional discipline. By 2017, robotics became a module within the Technological Education curriculum, reflecting its growing importance.
From its humble beginnings with six pilot institutions and 240 students forming 10 teams, the program has expanded significantly. Today, it reaches over 50,000 students across 270 educational institutions, supported by more than 650 trained teachers. This remarkable growth has been facilitated by the financial contributions of USAID, Sweden, UKaid, and the WesternNIS Enterprise Fund. The program is implemented by the National Center for Digital Innovation in Education Future Classroom Lab under the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova.
Equipped with over 1,000 LEGO Education Spike robotics sets, the program provides students with cutting-edge educational tools, enhancing their academic performance and practical skills. The consistent organization of national and international competitions has motivated students to excel, leading to multiple medals in international contests.
“The success of the Sirius team at the FIRST LEGO League Open European Championship is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students and educators. This achievement underscores the significant impact of our National Educational Robotics Program and our commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in education.”
stated the Minister of Education, Culture and Research of the Republic of Moldova, Mr. Dan Perciun.
The National Educational Robotics Program has consistently produced impressive results in international competitions. Notable achievements include:
FIRST Global Challenge Program:
- 2018, Mexico: 1 Bronze Medal
- 2019, Dubai, UAE: 3 Gold Medals
- 2022, Geneva, Switzerland: 1 Gold Medal
- 2023, Singapore: 1 Gold Medal, 1 Silver Medal
FIRST LEGO League Challenge Program:
- 2024, Bodo, Norway: 1st Place Robot Design Award
The ongoing success of the National Educational Robotics Program highlights its vital role in preparing Moldova’s youth for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Through strategic investments in teacher training, equipment, and continuous support from international partners, the program continues to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders in science and technology.