Government of the Azores launches pilot project for creation of robotics clubs in six schools
The Regional Director for Science and Technology highlighted in Horta the "importance" of programming and robotics clubs in schools, considering that they are "auxiliary tools towards an enhanced development of digital skills, general knowledge and better school performance."
Therefore, Bruno Pacheco stressed that the Government of the Azores aims to "stimulate the dynamics" that contribute to the "increase in digital literacy" among school-aged young people.
The Regional Director spoke at the signing ceremony of a collaboration protocol between the Regional Directorate for Science and Technology and Manuel de Arriaga Secondary School. It marks the beginning of the pilot project for the creation and consolidation of robotics clubs in Azorean schools, a measure already announced in November by the Regional Secretary for Science and Technology at the presentation of this year's Plan and Budget.
With an initial investment of 30 thousand Euros, this measure will provide the six schools selected for the pilot phase with adequate equipment. It falls within the Regional Government's Plan for the Development of Scientific Culture, which will be presented during the month of March.
Bruno Pacheco stressed that the protocol now signed, in force for a one-year period, aims to secure the funding of programming and robotics clubs in "pilot schools" as well as the development of their activities, according to the number of students. The stipulated maximum amount is set at five thousand Euros.
"In the medium-term, this measure will be extended to more regional schools at a rate of 10 schools a year," stated the Regional Director. In September, the Government will open a tender under PROSCIENTIA to finance robotics clubs in another four Azorean schools, thus increasing the overall investment to 50 thousand Euros during 2018.
In addition to Manuel de Arriaga Secondary School, the first phase of the implementation of robotics clubs will also cover Santa Maria and Flores Basic Education and Secondary Schools, Angra do Heroísmo Basic Education School (Terceira Island), Laranjeiras Secondary School and the School of New Technologies of the Azores -ENTA (São Miguel).