On 2-3 November 2024, Haileybury Almaty became a hub of innovation and creativity as it hosted the FIRST Championship qualifiers.
Bringing together over 700 participants — students, coaches, teachers, and volunteers — the event marked a pivotal moment in advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in Kazakhstan. With a focus on teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving, the championship encouraged young minds to push boundaries and unlock their potential.
A Global Mission with Local Impact
The FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) programme is an international initiative aimed at promoting STEM education and nurturing future innovators. Since its inception in the 1980s, it has inspired millions of students worldwide. Kazakhstan has been an active participant since 2017, and events like these play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s reputation as a leader in science and technology.
This year’s qualifiers revolved around the theme of exploring underwater ecosystems — a timely and critical topic addressing global environmental challenges. Participants were tasked with designing and programming robots capable of tackling real-world issues, fostering not only technical skills but also creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Highlights of the Event
The two-day championship was a dynamic blend of excitement, innovation, and collaboration. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as teams fine-tuned their robots, strategised for challenges, and cheered each other on. The event wasn’t just a competition — it was a celebration of the talent, passion, and determination of Kazakhstan’s youth.
The tournament featured two main disciplines:
• FIRST Tech Challenge: Designed for senior students, this competition required teams to build robots from metal components to solve complex engineering tasks.
• FLL Challenge: Tailored for younger participants, this discipline encouraged students to use LEGO robotics to complete a variety of challenges.
Between rounds, the participants engaged with mentors, shared ideas, and forged friendships. The spirit of collaboration was evident as students supported one another and celebrated every success, big or small.
Recognising Excellence: The Winners
The championship reached its climax with the Closing and Awards Ceremonies, where the top-performing teams were celebrated for their exceptional achievements:
FIRST Tech Challenge Winners:
• PID (Nazarbayev Intellectual School)
• KIROSHI (Almaty Polytechnic College)
• Prometheus (MLP)
These teams earned the honour of representing Kazakhstan at the international FIRST Championship in the Netherlands, showcasing their ingenuity on a global stage.
FLL Challenge Winners:
• Great Knights (Leas.kz)
• MF Squad (Prokid Centre)
• NovaPrime (Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Physics and Mathematics, Almaty)
Each of these teams demonstrated remarkable creativity, technical expertise, and teamwork, setting a high standard for future participants.
Voices from the Event
Key organisers and stakeholders shared their thoughts on the importance of this championship:
• Asylbek Myrzahmetov, Co-Founder of USTEM Foundation:
“The growing number of participants reflects the increasing interest in STEM among Kazakhstan’s youth. FIRST provides not just a competition but a platform to develop critical thinking, technical skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset, propelling Kazakhstan onto the international stage.”
• Gulnur Karimgazhy, Director of Daryn Centre for Gifted Children:
“FIRST inspires students to showcase their talents on the global stage, nurturing future leaders in science and technology. This championship is a vital step in fostering the next generation of innovators.”
Continuing the Journey
As the event came to a close, it was clear that the FIRST Championship qualifiers were not just about winning. They were about learning, growing, and inspiring the next generation of thinkers and innovators. Every participant, from the youngest programmer to the most seasoned mentor, left with a sense of achievement and excitement for the future.
By hosting events like the FIRST Championship qualifiers, Haileybury Almaty continues to champion STEM education and innovation, fostering a brighter future for Kazakhstan and the world.
