An inspiring group of young women are making their way on an exciting journey to Athens, Greece, to participate in the prestigious FIRST Global Robotics Challenge.

The all-girls national robotics team is proud to be representing the country, having worked for several months to prepare for this international competition showcasing not only their technical skills but also their dedication and teamwork.

Uleina Eraio (15), Ruby Newport (15), Evah Sosene (14), Kimiora Vogel (17) and Purotu Enoka (16), accompanied by Miimetua Nimerota, director at the Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT), and Jim Nimerota, coach and technical mentor, departed last night to the FIRST Global event.

Kimiora Vogel says she is happy to be representing the country for the second time in this competition – a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education programme.

“Last year I really enjoyed the competition and I was still interested in robotics and I wanted to learn more,” said Vogel.

“I wanted to stay in the team so I joined this year’s club and I was selected to represent the country again.”

Vogel said this year she would like to learn more about other countries, different cultures and getting to know more people.

She would like to encourage more youth to be a part of their robotics club.

“I find the challenges and the problem solving really interesting so if you like problem solving, robotics might be the thing for you,” she said.

The Cook Islands all-girls robotics team heading to Athens, Greece for the FIRST Global Robotics Challenge. From left: Kimiora Vogel, Evah Sosene, Ruby Newport, Uleina Eraio and Purotu Enoka. MII NIMEROTA/24091904

Vogel has a keen interest in forensic psychology.

“I find forensic science really interesting and to connect that with STEM will be really fun.”

Purotu Enoka loves STEM subjects and was thrilled to be selected in the team for the first time.

“My motivation was I have a lot of friends who were already in robotics last year so it pushed me to come and join because I already have a big interest in STEM subjects at school,” said Enoka.

“When I heard I had an opportunity to put my passion out there I kinda jumped at it and joined, and I’m lucky to be selected for the travel team.”

Enoka is looking forward to exploring ideas, talking to many different people from different ethnicities and cultures, and watching the competition.

She urges more youth to put themselves out there and join the robotics club.

“It’s a really fun time, everyone here is really welcoming and even if you’re scared that there’s stuff you won’t know, you’ll learn it all here.

“I came here knowing almost nothing about robotics and I learnt all my skills here and I got to meet amazing people, build a lot of friendships and it was really cool.”

Enoka said she definitely wants a career in STEM, specifically in engineering.

“I love engineering and lately I’ve shown an interest in aerospace engineering but I’m still open to other options like marine and the seabed.”

In preparation for the trip, the robotics team had “an incredible two-hour media training session” led by Glenda Tuaine and Ine Sosene.

Miimetua Nimerota, director of CEIT, said the media training prepared the girls for interviews, public speaking, and sharing their stories with the world – learning how to present their ideas clearly, answer questions with confidence, and most importantly, representing the Cook Islands on the global stage.

“Our young STEM ambassadors are not only ready to showcase their robot but also share the passion behind their hard work, teamwork, and dedication,” said Nimerota.

The Cook Islands Robotics Club “COCOBOTS” aims to develop youth skills, knowledge and leadership in STEM and offer an exciting opportunity to collaborate with other young like-minded future scientists, engineers, designers and digital creators.

Teams from 190-plus countries including the Cook Islands will be attending the FIRST Global Challenge in Athens from September 26 to 29.