FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ST. MAARTEN (April 1, 2025) – The St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association (SKNRA) announces a collaborative effort with the Sint Maarten National Commission for UNESCO and the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation to expand STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) opportunities for students in St. Maarten. The partnership was solidified during a meeting held this morning, bringing together notable leaders and educators committed to empowering youth through hands-on learning and international engagement.
Attendees included H.E. Dr. Ricardo R. Neil, Founder and Chairman of both the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Robotics Association (OECSRA) and SKNRA; Ms. Marcellia Henry, Secretary General of the Sint Maarten National Commission for UNESCO; Dr. Rolinda Carter, President of the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation, accompanied by board members; and Ms. Barbara Cocks, Student Care Coordinator at the St. Maarten Academy VBC. Discussions centered on a strategic approach to fostering innovation and technical proficiency among St. Maarten’s youth, with three key initiatives.

Partnership and Initiatives

The partnership between SKNRA, UNESCO, and the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation aims to create dynamic opportunities for students in St. Maarten, sparking their curiosity and positioning them as future innovators in the region.

Three Key STEAM Initiatives

STEAM Robotics Summer Camp
This hands-on program will immerse students in robotics, coding, and problem-solving activities, laying a strong foundation for future studies and careers in technology.
FIRST Global Robotics Olympics (Guest and Volunteer Participation)
Under the new partnership, a delegation from St. Maarten will attend the FIRST Global Robotics Olympics as guests and volunteers. By observing international teams and assisting event organizers, representatives will gain practical insights to strengthen local robotics initiatives and elevate the island’s competitiveness in future global contests.
STEAM Lead Program
Designed to cultivate leadership and critical thinking, this program will assign youth to leadership roles within community-focused STEAM projects. Participants will develop skills in project management, mentorship, and innovative problem-solving while serving as role models for their peers.

Leadership Perspectives

H.E. Dr. Ricardo R. Neil, Founder and Chairman of OECSRA and SKNRA, highlighted the significance of the collaboration:

“This partnership marks a pivotal moment in St. Maarten’s educational journey. By aligning our efforts with UNESCO and the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation, we are poised to create dynamic opportunities that not only spark students’ curiosity but also position them as future innovators in the region.”

Ms. Marcellia Henry, Secretary General of the Sint Maarten National Commission for UNESCO, commended the collective efforts (paraphrase):
“Strengthening STEAM education through partnership underscores our commitment to developing well-rounded, globally engaged learners. We look forward to the positive impact these initiatives will have on the youth of St. Maarten.”
Dr. Rolinda Carter and her board members from the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation contributed valuable insights on local educational needs, and discussed how these initiatives align with their mission to stimulate an interest in STEAM on the island beyond its flagship event, the National St. Maarten Science Fair. Ms. Barbara Cocks, Student Care Coordinator at St. Maarten Academy VBC, emphasized how such programs can bolster both academic and personal development for students across the island.

Advancing STEAM in St. Maarten

Through these targeted initiatives, the SKNRA, OECSRA, UNESCO, and St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation envision a thriving STEAM ecosystem that empowers local students to excel in emerging fields. By combining international exposure, practical training, and leadership development, the collaboration aims to nurture a generation of problem-solvers capable of driving sustainable growth on the island.

Support and Contact

For details on supporting the St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association’s initiatives, please contact:
Mr. Nicholas Powell
Social Media Director
St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 (869) 667-4844

About OECSRA and SKNRA

The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Robotics Association (OECSRA) and the St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association (SKNRA) are dedicated to fostering educational excellence and technological innovation in the Caribbean. Through competitions, workshops, and mentorship, they empower youth to become future leaders in STEAM, driving economic development and encouraging cross-border collaboration for the benefit of all participating nations.

Conclusion

The partnership between SKNRA, UNESCO, and the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation is a significant step towards advancing STEAM education in St. Maarten. With the three key initiatives in place, the island is poised to develop a thriving STEAM ecosystem that will empower local students to excel in emerging fields and drive sustainable growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the three key STEAM initiatives launched by the partnership?
A: The three key STEAM initiatives are STEAM Robotics Summer Camp, FIRST Global Robotics Olympics (Guest and Volunteer Participation), and STEAM Lead Program.
Q: How can I support the St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association’s initiatives?
A: You can contact Mr. Nicholas Powell, Social Media Director, St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association, at [email protected] or +1 (869) 667-4844 for more information on supporting their initiatives.
Q: What is the goal of the partnership between SKNRA, UNESCO, and the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation?
A: The goal of the partnership is to create a thriving STEAM ecosystem that empowers local students to excel in emerging fields and drive sustainable growth on the island.