Pi Space Science Education Centre Expands Robotics Access via PIQ

What Happened

The Pi Space Science Education Centre (PSSEC), in partnership with the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Association and supported by Aramco, is implementing the Pakistan Innovation Quest (PIQ). This national initiative aims to expand access to robotics and STEM learning across Pakistan [1].

Key details of the initiative include:

• The program targets reaching 10,000 learners and 300 teachers [1].
• The plan involves more than 60 RoboStarter Sprints, six regional competitions, and a National Showcase [1].
• PIQ has already trained more than 6,000 learners and 518 teachers [1].
• The initiative has reached Karachi, Lahore, Hyderabad, Gujranwala, and Kasur, involving around 60 institutions [1].
• The program aims for more than 40 percent female participation [1].
• There are plans to donate 100 robotics kits to underserved institutions [1].

Zartaj Ahmed, CEO and Co-Founder of PSSEC and National Organizer of WRO Pakistan, stated that the initiative was created to close the divide between universal talent and unequal access [1]. Hussain N. Hanbazazah, Aramco Vice President of Communications Operations & Corporate Citizenship, said the collaboration aims to bring 10,000 robotics opportunities to students in Pakistan through their Global STEM Education Program [1].

Who Is Affected

The initiative is designed to reach young people who have been historically excluded due to cost, geography, gender, or disability [1]. Specific groups and settings mentioned include:

• Students in public and private schools [1].
• Learners in low-income communities and NGO-supported institutions [1].
• Students in girls’ schools [1].
• Deaf students, such as those at Deaf Reach School, who receive training supported by interpreters and sign language fluent trainers [1].
• Teachers, who receive professional development to maintain robotics learning in their institutions [1].

Regional winners from the competitions will advance to the PIQ National Showcase. At this event, students and teachers will present solutions to government representatives, school leaders, STEM partners, and international stakeholders [1]. The strongest participants will have pathways to future WRO Pakistan competitions [1].