Malaika’s robotics team wins big in First Lego League: Student Feliciane shares her experience

“This year, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the First Lego League, an international competition that brings together robotics, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. The theme for the 2025–2026 season was Submerged, which challenged us to explore underwater environments and develop innovative robotic solutions.”

Building a Robot, Building a Team

“Together with my teammates, we began by designing our robot using Paint 3D. We also used Canva to create presentations by mixing videos and images to showcase our work. Once we had a plan, we followed the SPIKE Education instructions to build a physical robot. We even created custom extensions to help it complete different missions throughout the challenge.

Whenever we faced obstacles, we made sure to listen to everyone’s ideas. By combining our thoughts and perspectives, we were able to come up with stronger solutions as a team.”

The Moment We Found Out

“When we heard the news that we had won, I was overwhelmed with emotion. We were so proud to learn that our school had placed first in the city of Lubumbashi, in the Haut-Katanga province, and second at the national level. It was a moment of pure joy and pride for all of us.

We make it a point to celebrate every experience, not just the victories but also the setbacks. Each moment helps us grow.”

A Message to Women in STEM

“To all girls and women: I encourage you to take an interest in technology and robotics. These fields open the door to new ideas and skills, spark creativity, and teach you how to tackle real-world problems with determination and innovation.

Through this journey, I’ve strengthened my creative thinking and learned the true power of working as a team. Robotics isn’t just for boys. It’s for anyone who wants to imagine, build, and lead with confidence.”