The Sagicor Visionaries Challenge national competition was recently held at Marigot Secondary School, to determine a winner from St Lucia, who will compete in the regional competition in Barbados this weekend.
The Sagicor Visionaries Challenge was conceptualised by Sagicor and the Caribbean Science Foundation (CSF), in partnership with the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC). These organisations hope to foster innovation among the scientists of tomorrow, that solves challenges faced within our local communities and the region at large. The aim of the challenge is to enable students to contribute to the establishment of sustainable Caribbean communities, through the integration and application of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The winner in the Sagicor Visonaries Challenge held in St Lucia is Ravindra Mangar who is a student at St Mary’s College. He submitted a project entitled ‘Obstacle Detector for the Visually Impaired.’
Mangar is in Barbados this weekend competing against national winners from 11 other islands. The winner will be announced Saturday evening.
In the 12 countries where the Challenge has been piloted, officials have received close to 170 submissions from over 100 schools.
Visiting Research Scientist from the University of South Florida (USF) and representative of the CSF, Associate Professor Maya Trotz said: “Students submitted their project ideas on our website and were matched with a mentor. We encourage students and members of the public to visit the Marigot Secondary School to view the exciting ideas which the students have worked on.”
Thirteen promising entries came from Babonneau Secondary School, Ciceron Secondary School, Corinth Secondary School, Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary, Marigot Secondary School, St Joseph’s Convent and St Mary’s College.”
