We, ByteForce, are excited to share the success story of our main international outreach project, Inspire Moldova, which has begun transforming STEAM education and robotics for students throughout the Republic of Moldova. We continuously strive to impart the principles of robotics and inspire the next generations of innovators, and this first step toward a broader international community has provided us with the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the Eastern European FIRST community.

Recognizing the growing interest in robotics among Moldovan students of all ages, we observed a discrepancy in access to such programs between middle school pupils, who can pursue their interests through programs like FIRST Lego League en masse, and high school students (ages 14 and up), whose options are much more limited. This very assessment motivated us to provide opportunities for students aged 14 and older to explore advanced robotics, believing that fostering collaboration and mentorship will empower young learners to harness the potential of technology.

The initiative we call the “ByteForce Caravan” served as a precursor to this nationwide project: we traveled across the country, visiting schools and meeting passionate Moldovan students eager to learn about robotics, technology, and engineering, looking for ways to channel their interests. As a testament to our efforts, we are proud to announce that 12 teams have been established and registered in the Republic of Moldova, marking a significant step forward in expanding robotics engagement among students.

Our journey began in early September 2023 when we reached out to the US Embassy in Chișinău to seek support for our mission. After encountering administrative challenges and communication barriers, we shifted our focus to building local partnerships with institutions prepared for a hands-on approach.

Our most significant collaborators were local teachers and educators from Hîncești and Lăpușna, but as we pursued further expansion, we established connections with key organizations in Chișinău (such as FabLab) and engaged with influential figures like Mr. Florin Cazac, coach of Moldova’s FGC team, who could further support our endeavor.

Another important collaborations that helped us gain a better understanding of the needs of young Moldovans were made throughout several meetigs with Mrs. Veronica Eșanu, a notable voice from Innovate MoIdova, and Mrs. Liliana Beleac from Clasa Viitorului. Alongside partners from these two organizations, we conducted introductory training for the FTC competition, attracting numerous teachers and potential mentors who traveled to Chișinău from various regions of the Republic of Moldova.

As Inspire Moldova progressed, we continued dedicating ourselves to mentoring students, guiding them into the FTC community and aiding them in learning the technical skills required. Currently, we have successfully completed four educational trips abroad, focusing on training mentors, organizing learning boot camps, and arbitrating the first-ever FIRST Tech Challenge competition in the Republic of Moldova.

In summary, Inspire Moldova is not just a project; it has become a transformative movement—an organic shift toward bridging gaps and fulfilling an insatiable thirst for knowledge. With the support of dedicated educators and competent organizations, we are well on the path to integrating Moldova into the international FIRST Tech Challenge community.