Robotics learners gear up for the 2017 Gauteng Explorer Competition:

• Bosch continues to empower the next generation of Africans to invent their future through an innovative outreach initiative.
• More learners to be exposed to the world of robotics.

17 May 2017, Johannesburg, South Africa – Bosch a leading global supplier of technology and services in the fields of Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy & Building Technology, is set to continue empowering young learners by exposing them to the world of robotics in anticipation for the 4th industrial revolution and the future.

This is part of Bosch’s commitment to furthering education and skills building in Africa.

To honour this commitment, specifically in South Africa, Bosch will continue to sponsor the dedicated robotics lab at the Deutsche Schule Pretoria (DSP, German International School).

The lab was officially inaugurated two years ago, in the presence of his Excellency, Mr. Walter Lindner, German Ambassador to South Africa and Dr. Markus Thill, President, Bosch Region Africa.

“The DSP has shown forward thinking by integrating robotics into its curriculum. In previous years successful robotics teams presented South Africa at the World Robot Olympiad, both nationally and internationally. Bosch is honoured to continue support for the DSP’s robotics lab which further benefits outreach communities,” said Dr. Markus Thill.

The unique sponsorship agreement makes it possible for the robotics programme to be available to a wider circle of learners in the Pretoria area outside the DSP community.

Additional schools that will benefit from the 2017 outreach initiative include: Pula Difate Primary School, Koos Matle Primary School, Sikhanyisile Primary School, Nantes Primary School and Norridge Primary School.

The recent inclusion of identified outreach schools is just in time as the learners prepare for 2017 Gauteng Explorer Competition which is scheduled to take place in August 2017.

“We are very pleased to make robotics accessible to more learners from communities outside of the DSP community. This outreach initiative certainly empowers the next generation of Africans to invent their future,” says Warren Markley, Head of Robotics at the DSP.

Robotics was introduced at DSP in 2010 and is available to learners from Kindergarten to High School, offering increasing levels of complexity.

Kindergarten learners start out by building robots with Lego robotics kits, and then gradually progress to solving technical challenges such as having their robots play soccer or navigate on uneven terrain. At a more advanced level, the youth learn programming skills.

In 2015, Bosch sponsored the Lego robotics kits, learners’ competition shirts, and supported the recent refurbishment of the lab facilities.

Shaun Jenkins (13) a Grade 7 learner from Nantes Primary School is excited to be part of this year’s outreach initiative.

“I used to struggle with focusing on my school work. However since I started taking part in robotics, it has helped me focus better. My maths and science marks have also improved,” says Shaun.

Malepeng Modimo (13) a Grade 7 learner from Pula Difate Primary School, who hopes to be a scientist one day, practices robotics every Saturday with his teacher and coach.

“I hope that I will make it through to the national phase of the Explorer Competition. I really like robotics as it is very interesting as I get to learn and have fun at the same time,” says Malepeng.

Bosch is committed to fostering young talent in Africa and is the initiator of “Afrika Kommt!”, a programme for budding business leaders from the continent, sponsored by German industry leaders. Scholarships are offered to junior executives, who get to spend one year in Germany completing professional training at German companies.

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