Hadassah Neurim’s robotics team, XO 7039# FIRST, won first place in the regional robotics competition and also received the Creativity Award. Their performance at the national competition was very impressive, and only one second separated them from an entrance ticket to the world robotics tournament.
The team is on its way to becoming one of the 10 best teams in Israel for the sixth year. This achievement comes despite the setbacks and prolonged break in activity necessitated by COVID. This year 43 students participated in the group; 16 of them were girls.
In an impressive example of giving back to the village, three graduates of the program left their jobs temporarily to support the team and lend their considerable experience. The students are now building the infrastructure for next season with the intention of maintaining cohesiveness in the future. The connections formed among the participants during their joint work in the program exposes the kids to the conditions they are likely to face in the working world.
It also encourages some students to continue their studies in Hadassah Neurim’s technological college in the village and acquire an engineering degree; some are integrated into key positions in the IDF.
The success of the robotics program comes not only from the teamwork displayed by the students but also from the unceasing efforts of volunteer mentors who spend many months and long hours into the night accompanying the group. The financial support of friends of the village promotes the team and finds creative solutions that benefit the development of the team.