A group of young Panamanians passionate about technology decided to transform their experience in international robotics competitions into an educational platform with which they seek to inspire and train new generations in the country. This is Luis Silvano Jimenez, Braulio Robles, and Alexander Ortega, founders of OPL Robotics (Original Panamenian Lab), an initiative that was born with the objective of bringing robotics and programming closer to children and young people, at a time when the education system faces significant challenges in terms of quality and access to technological knowledge. The three young people have participated in various international robotics competitions representing Panama in recent years, achieving outstanding results, including two victories in international tournaments. According to their explanation, the idea for creating OPL Robotics arose after participating in a competition in Singapore, where they were able to observe the level of preparation of students from other countries and the educational infrastructure that supports these programs. “We realized that in Panama, students often do not have access to basic knowledge that in other countries children already master from an early age. Our goal is to boost the level of robotics in Panama and motivate more students to develop that passion for technology,” they stated. The project seeks to offer robotics training adapted to the level of each student, allowing children and young people to learn from basic concepts to the skills needed to compete in international tournaments. In addition to consolidating itself as an educational venture, the founders have among their goals to create a foundation that will allow them to expand the project's reach and bring technological training to more sectors of the country. The young people also aspire to establish a training center where students can come to receive classes in programming, electronics, and applied robotics. Another of the project's goals is to bring technological education to communities with less access, including popular sectors of the city of Panama and other regions of the country. As part of their educational work, the young people offer personalized guidance to students interested in learning robotics and competing in international tournaments. Those interested can contact them through Instagram on the account @OPLRobotics, where they provide information about courses and training programs. Finally, the founders sent a message to the young people of Panama to dare to explore the world of technology. “We want young people to know that they are capable of achieving great things.”
