Sandra Roopram

In 2011, at New Forest High School in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, I began a transformative journey in STEM education and helped establish an FLL LEGO League robotics team at New Forest High School where I am an Educator. As a mentor, I watched a group of curious, bright-eyed learners embrace this new challenge, armed with nothing more than a LEGO kit and boundless enthusiasm. This initiative brought robotics and problem-solving skills to our students, fostering critical thinking, teamwork, and innovation. The experience not only impacted the young participants but also transformed my own perspective on education and mentorship. Thank you to the generosity of SAP. The sponsorship was obtained particularly through MDEF member Raj Dhaniraj who worked at SAP. With MDEF team support we were able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of many young South African students, setting them on a path of technological exploration and creativity. The programme spread to Asoka Secondary, my alumni school and subsequently to more than 100 children in KZN.