It’s 1am in Honduras. A group of seven teenagers from different areas of the country are hopping on buses to make their way to the airport for what may be the longest flight of their lives. The team comprises students with different ambitions, purposes and mindsets, who have come together in the pursuit of a common goal: Graduate university and work to help their communities and, ultimately, their country.

Fast-forward 26 hours, and they have landed on the other side of the globe, in the UAE, ready to dive into the FIRST Global Challenge 2019 in Dubai.

Previously held in the USA and Mexico, the annual Challenge provides a framework for young people to build their capabilities in STEM and innovation. The event equips the participants with the tools, skills and expertise to design robots, and enables them to contribute to the global efforts to solve some of the most pressing issues in vital sectors, such as water and energy. Focusing on ocean pollution, this year edition has brought together over 1,500 young people from 191 countries.

16-year-old Dulce Maria Diaz, a member of Team Honduras, says: “We were very excited to be part of this Challenge. Water pollution is an issue that the whole planet must tackle together. This competition allows us to come together with people from around the world who are all lobbying for the same cause – it’s been wonderful. “

At the FIRST Global Challenge 2019 in Dubai, teams are competing with robots that can help clean up the oceans. Named Jorge in 2017 and Pablo in 2018, this year, the Honduran robot goes under the name of Laura as a tribute to Laura Manchi, a supporter of the team that has played an invaluable role in getting it to participate in the competition.

The robots must collect balls that simulate the weight of objects found on the bottom of the ocean. Laura, for instance, is equipped with a large container that can accommodate up to seven balls as well as arms to grab onto macro-pollutants. It can catapult the balls to three grades below sea level.

Dulce Maria reflect on her time in the UAE and the big impact it will leave on her and her teammates: “We belong to small towns. Coming to a city like Dubai is literally a dream come true. Never had I thought anyone could greet us with such warmth and hospitality. It’s truly been humbling. “

Beaming with pride, she adds: “Though we have only been here for one week, the learnings that we have gained will be something we take back to our country.”

Currently in the 18 ^th position, members of Team Honduras still hope that Laura can take them to the finals. They are proud to represent their country abroad and aim to raise awareness about global issues among youth through their participation.

“We are the present and the future, and if we want change, it starts with us,” concludes Dulce Maria with a big smile.