College of Science Hosts the ‘Girl Powered’ Workshop as part of the Kuwait National Robotics Competition

Kuwait University's College of Science hosted the "Girl Powered" workshop as part of the Kuwait National Robotics Championship, in collaboration with the Women's Cultural and Social Society. This workshop, the first of its kind in Kuwait and the region, targeted girls aged 8 to 14 and saw the participation of nearly 90 girls from various age groups. The event took place on Saturday, October 12, 2024, coinciding with the International Day of the Girl Child, recognized by the United Nations General Assembly on October 11 each year.

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The workshop aims to promote the participation of girls in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and to encourage them to innovate and be creative in technology and robotics.
This workshop is part of a series of events associated with the Kuwait National Robotics Championship (KNRC), in which the Computer Science Department at the College of Science at Kuwait University collaborates with the Youth Public Authority, the Ministry of Education, and has strategic partnerships with Zain and Al-Sayer, along with support from Kuwait Technical College and Warba Bank.

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During the workshop presented by the supporting faculty members of the Computer Science Department—Noura Al-Ateeqi, Fatima Al-Budaiwi, and Lulwa Al-Dhafiri—participants engaged for five hours and were able to acquire new skills in robotics and programming. They learned how to use advanced tools and techniques in an interactive and practical manner. A variety of hands-on activities were organized to foster teamwork and collaboration among the participants, contributing to enhancing the girls' self-confidence and their ability to solve problems and think creatively.
In this regard, Dr. Noura Al-Jari, the Executive Director of the Kuwait National Robotics Championship (KNRC), emphasized the importance of such events in enhancing the participation of girls and youth in technology fields. She noted that the workshop is part of the initiatives led by the Computer Science Department to empower the next generation of girls and boys in Kuwait. She highlighted that the National Robotics Championship serves as a key platform for developing the talents and technical skills of Kuwaiti youth.
The participants expressed their happiness for the opportunity to take part in the workshop, affirming that this experience has enhanced their interest in the fields of science and technology. They also expressed enthusiasm for participating in more events and competitions organized by the Computer Science Department at Kuwait University and its partners in the future.