INTRODUCTION TO SKNRA

ST KITTS AND NEVIS ROBOTICS ASSOCIATION’S MANDATE

Mission:

The mission of the St Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association (SKNRA) is to inspire, educate, and empower individuals in St Kitts and Nevis through the exciting world of robotics and technology. We are dedicated to promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) education and fostering a culture of innovation, creativity, and problem-solving among the youth of our nation. By providing access to robotics programs, workshops, competitions, and resources, we strive to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Vision

“To transform the culture of the youths within the region by using STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) as the vehicle for regional and international integration. ” Dr. Ricardo Neil, Founder

Methodology

To expose youth from kindergartens to high schools in robotics through training, research and mentorship that will help them to be a well-rounded contributor to the society and region.

Founder

Dr. Ricardo Neil is an author, professor, mentor and founder of the SKNRA which oversees the FIRST St. Kitts and Nevis National Robotics Challenge. He is a strong advocate for STEAM within the Caribbean primarily because he believes that this is the path through which young people can discover themselves, while transforming their society. Dr. Neil is resolute while ensuring that the SKNRA fulfils its mission.

About St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association – SKNRA

The SKNRA is developed to drive initiatives that is designed to inspire youths, young and old, to be exposed and participate in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics). SKNRA is currently based in St. Kitts and Nevis with the coordinates longitude and latitude 17.3578° N, 62.7830° W. This is a not-for-profit public charity organization that is designed to stimulate and motivate youths to pursue careers in STEAM.

St. Kitts and Nevis National Robotics Association Philosophy

SKNRA Philosophy hinges on the Constructivism Theory and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

Constructivism theory relates to the learners who have prior knowledge and experiences, which is often determined by their social and cultural environment. Learning is therefore done by students’ constructing and gaining knowledge out of their experiences. This therefore, fits into SKNRA Mission where youths use their knowledge with mentorship to solve real life problem through sportsmanship.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs. These five needs include physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. SKNRA believes that youths within our region will benefit from Maslow’s Hierarchy in terms of self-actualization. Technology has often time breath the reality of what society should be. This therefore means that technology has its place in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

Association’s mandate

Our mandate is to develop and deliver to St Kitts and Nevis, the OECS, CARICOM and the International Community the following without prejudice:

To develop an effective:

This mandate is integrated with the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) approach as a vehicle on which such will be achieved. With this mandate, the OECS and CARICOM (Caribbean community) will earn its place in the Science and Technology Industry across the world and will usher in a new era; the beginning of a Robotics Industry throughout the region.    

Pillars Of Integration

Pillars of Local, Reginal and International Integration

The St Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association – SKNRA rests on five (5) main pillars: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.  These pillars underpin the stated objectives in ARTICLE ONE of the organisation’s bylaws;

Pillars of Integration:

• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Arts
• Mathematics

Science

To any system of knowledge that is concerned with the physical world and its phenomena and that entails unbiased observations and systematic experimentation. In general, pursuing knowledge and covering general truths or the operations of fundamental laws.

Technology

To apply scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life or to the change and manipulation of the human environment.

Engineering

To engineer problem solving and innovation techniques, given its economic importance to society. To direct students in engineering and develop some of the skills and abilities associated with the design process.

Arts

To spark youths in imagination and helping them to innovate through hands-on STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics) projects and most importantly, to apply creative thinking and design skills to STEAM projects leading into adulthood.

Mathematics

To foster the science of structure, order, and relation that has evolved from elemental practices of counting, measuring, and describing the shapes of objects. To deals with logical reasoning and quantitative calculation, and its development.

Pillars Of Education

These pillars have feed into the four C’s in education:

• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Creativity
• Collaboration