In 2023, the Ministry of Inspiration introduced Eastern Bay schools to the world of underwater robotics for the very first time.

This year, the Kiwi non-profit is back – expanding its programmes to encourage even more diversity in STEM, with support from Trust Horizon.

Founded in 2011, the Ministry of Inspiration is a charitable trust dedicated to promoting access to STEM education for all New Zealand children.

In the organisation’s first year in the Eastern Bay, the NZ AquaBots competition saw teams of local students work together to build as many as 30 underwater robots.

Several made it to nationals, where one Eastern Bay high school team came fourth, and two primary-aged teams placed fifth and sixth.

“It was such a fantastic result, especially for their very first year participating,” said Jessica Cathro, the Ministry of Inspiration’s North Island managing director.

“The kids loved it, and the feedback from teachers was really positive.”

Bitten by the STEM bug, several participants expressed interest in the Ministry of Inspiration’s other programmes. These included RoboCup Jr, a national student robotics competition, and two STEM education programmes, Launch into Coding and Launch into Robotics.

With the help of a $25,203.86 grant from Trust Horizon, all four initiatives are now gaining steam in the Eastern Bay.

Five schools have taken part in RoboCup Jr, while last year’s total of four schools involved in AquaBots may double in 2024. Three schools have already had STEM education sessions, with more to come in terms 3 and 4.

While RoboCup Jr and AquaBots are opt-in extracurricular activities, Launch into Coding and Launch into Robotics feature free whole-class sessions for students of all ages.

“The one-to-two-hour sessions are tailored to the class’s experience level and introduce students to concepts like logical thinking and different ways of solving problems,” said Ms Cathro.

In the fields of STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – diversity remains a stubborn issue.

In New Zealand, only 3 percent of females are considering a career in technology, while only 7 percent of people working in tech are Māori/Pasifika. When it comes to improving these statistics, the Ministry of Inspiration’s whole-class introductions could prove invaluable.

“These catch-all sessions are an especially great way to encourage girls to engage.

“The exposure shows them they do have the skillset; that they’re good at this,” Ms Cathro said.

“It’s just so important to provide that initial experience in a place where everyone feels comfortable, and like they belong.”

The Ministry of Inspiration is seeing the effects of this whole-class approach first-hand. In Rotorua, participation in its opt-in competitions is now sitting at 50/50 male to female.

“These kids are often the only one in their friend group who’s into coding and robotics, especially if they’re girls,” said Ms Cathro.

“With these competitions, they can find a place to belong for the skills they bring, not the way they look.”

Trust Horizon is thrilled to lend its support to the Ministry of Inspiration’s efforts for the second year in a row.

“Like many industries, the STEM fields are experiencing talent and skill shortages,” said Trust Horizon Trustee, Merrin Stables.

“STEM provides numerous career opportunities, many of them highly paid.

“By shining a light on these paths, programmes like the Ministry of Inspiration’s could have a significant positive impact on the future of local rangatahi and their communities.”

Kick-off sessions have already been held for the RoboCup Jr competition, with as many as 10 teams expected to compete in regionals on August 4.

The Ministry of Inspiration looks forward to growing this, and their other three programmes, in the years to come.

“We hope to someday see STEM teams be as much of a fixture in Eastern Bay schools as rugby or netball teams,” Ms Cathro.

“With the support of organisations like Trust Horizon, anything is possible.”