Antony Chawagarira
MASVINGO — Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) recently hosted the Masvingo Provincial round of the World Robot Olympiad at its Innovation Hub.
The event brought together primary and secondary school learners from across the province for a two-day robotics competition that tested participants’ practical skills, programming abilities, and engineering design capabilities.
Teams presented their innovative robotic projects and participated in hands-on challenges designed to assess their problem-solving abilities under competitive conditions.
Organised by GZU’s School of Natural Sciences in partnership with the Girls in STEM Trust, the event aims to nurture a growing pipeline of learners advancing from school-level robotics to national competitions. Emphasising a learning-by-doing approach, participants collaborated in teams to design, build, and program robots to accomplish specific tasks.
University representatives highlighted that the initiative exposes pupils to real-world applications of science and technology while strengthening interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Lecturers and organisers emphasised that robotics offers learners an opportunity to engage directly with technology and develop innovative skills. Plans are underway to extend robotics training to rural schools, aiming to broaden participation in future competitions.
Leaders at GZU’s Innovation Hub stated that the facility continues to serve as a platform for young people to develop and test ideas, further strengthening the university’s ties with schools across the province.
The top-performing teams from the provincial round will represent Masvingo Province at the national finals of the World Robot Olympiad in Bulawayo, where they will compete against champions from other provinces.
The results from the provincial contest were announced as follows: Robot Starter Category – 1st: Chibi High School. 2nd: Chiredzi Government School. 3rd: Gokomere High School.
Elementary Category Winner: Helen McGhie Primary School.
Junior Category – 1st: Helen McGhie Primary School. 2nd: Chiredzi Government Primary School. 3rd: Gokomere High School.
Senior Category – 1st: Masvingo Christian High School. 2nd: Gokomere High School. 3rd: Ndarama High School.
