Support RobotsMali's STEM Champions

Since 2017, RobotsMali has coached Malian middle, high school and university robotics teams, amassing 35 medals in international robotics competitions. Despite the many challenges Malians face, RobotsMali has made the country into a robotics powerhouse and inspired thousands of Malian children to pursue STEM careers and to work for the development of their nation.

Malian teams have crossed West Africa by bus to participate in every edition of the Panafrican Robotics Competition (PARC). African roads are always an adventure in itself. For example, in 2019, the teams spent 3 days in a bus to get to Accra, Ghana, hindered by mud and a ruined transmission. Despite their exhausting journey, they still won 3 medals. This year, 4 Malian teams are preparing to go to Dakar, Senegal for the 7th edition of PARC, July 24-28.

This year, Malian teams are especially challenged with electricity cuts that last 12 hours at a stretch and exceptional heat and inability to find local funding due to the economic fallout of the difficult situation. These problems have not discouraged the kids, they always find a way to do the job and perform exceptionally. We are seeking support to get 30 kids and coaching staff to Senegal this year, covering transportation, meals and expenses related to creating, programming and testing their robots.

RobotsMali is a grassroots program which has changed the lives of thousands of Malian children, giving them tools to construct a better future for themselves, for the country, and the world. In addition to coaching Africa’s winningest robotics teams, RobotsMali runs STEM education programs throughout the year and runs an Artificial Intelligence for Development laboratory which explores uses of artificial intelligence that can foster economic and social development in Mali.