Innovative Minds Shine Bright: From Mine to Mind at Makgadikgadi Epic 2024 

𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐠𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐤𝐠𝐚𝐝𝐢 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐜 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

In an inspiring showcase of educational innovation, the “From Mine to Mind” Robotics and Coding Workshop made its mark during the Makgadikgadi Epic 2024 event in Sowa Town, located approximately 596 km from Gaborone. Organized by Dare To Dream in collaboration with Botswana Ash Mine, this workshop provided students with a unique opportunity to engage with real-world challenges and explore technological solutions in an immersive learning environment. 

The core mission of “From Mine to Mind” was to translate industry knowledge from the salt mining sector into actionable, creative solutions within the minds of young learners. By integrating theoretical understanding with practical application, the workshop aimed to bridge the gap between classroom concepts and real-world problem-solving. Students were introduced to the complexities of salt extraction and processing through an insightful tour of Botswana Ash Mine, where they observed various stages of the mining process and the technological systems involved. 

Following the tour, students participated in a hands-on robotics and coding workshop. This session challenged them to apply their newfound knowledge to develop innovative solutions for specific problems related to the salt mining process. Divided into teams, students designed and programmed robots to address these challenges, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork. 

The second day of the workshop featured a highlight presentation where students showcased their projects to His Excellency, President Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi as well as Botswana Ash mine Team. This significant moment allowed students to demonstrate their technical skills and innovative solutions, including a notable project from Group 1. Their solar sensor, designed to track the sun’s movement and harness solar energy, promised to reduce the mine’s reliance on purchased electricity and provide backup power during outages. 

The “From Mine to Mind” workshop successfully merged industry insights with hands-on STEAME education, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the salt mining process and the opportunity to apply their creativity and problem-solving skills. The event not only highlighted the value of STEAME education in addressing real-world challenges but also strengthened the connection between the education sector and the mining industry. It demonstrated the potential of combining industry expertise with educational initiatives to inspire and prepare the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. 

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