BY PAULY SUBA
Journal Staff
In a joint effort to cultivate technological and environmental awareness among the youth, GTA and the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub hosted a free, two-day summer workshop focused on coding and robotics. Held on June 6 and 7, the event was tailored for children aged 12 to 16 at the beginner or entry level.
Michele Catahay Perez, senior community relations manager at GTA, emphasized the significance of the partnership. “We actually started our first workshop called Girls Code back in 2019. And it was something that we did every year after that, except for the typhoon [Mawar],” Catahay Perez said. “I worked with Abby (Crane, G3 Circular Economy Education Coordinator), and I said, hey, how can we partner? And she was always saying she wanted to do a coding camp... we decided to do a two-day workshop. And what's nice about it is, it's actually free.”
Catahay Perez shared her excitement about the workshop's success. She said, "To see it come to fruition is pretty awesome. Initially, we thought we'd have to push hard to get the word out, but we actually had 32 sign-ups and even had to put some on a waiting list. It really goes to show that there is a need for kids who really want to learn about coding and robotics.”
The workshop included hands-on activities and interactive lessons, where participants delved into the basics of coding, robotics, 3D printing, and sustainability concepts. GTA's IT team and Colette Beausoliel, a robotics teacher at John F. Kennedy high school, led the instruction. Perez highlighted the collaborative nature of the effort. “We had a really good instructor from our public high schools, and then just the connection of her student being one of our IT experts. And then working with Guam Green Growth, it all just came together.”
The workshop's curriculum covered foundational coding skills and the use of robots, introducing participants to practical applications of these technologies. Catahay Perez said, “We had our IT team really teach just the basics of coding. And then the robots were introduced on the second part yesterday. What they're teaching today is how to use some of the coding to create some 3D prints.”
For a few of the young participants, this workshop was their first experience with coding and robotics. Isaiah Beckwith, a participant with prior coding knowledge, said, “The first day we did some programming with block-based Python and JavaScript... We've already did a bunch of stuff with functions and conditions and loops.”
Jose Perez, another attendee who was new to coding and robotics, said, “I don’t know how to code. Building robots looks fun... It allows me to get out of the house and learn something different.”
Both Beckwith and Perez expressed enthusiasm for the workshop, with Beckwith recommending it for its fun and educational value. Perez also endorsed the experience. He said, “It’s something I might use later, maybe be like my mom. She’s in cybersecurity.”
Austin Shelton, co-chairperson of the Guam Green Growth steering committee, applauded the initiative. “This partnership represents a unique opportunity to merge technological education with environmental stewardship,” Shelton said in a release. “By introducing young minds to the principles of sustainability and the circular economy through practical, hands-on learning, we can inspire a new generation to innovate responsibly.”
Beyond this workshop, GTA continues to support community education through various initiatives, including digital literacy workshops for the elderly. Guam Green Growth also offers diverse classes at CHamoru Village that promote sustainable and local craftsmanship. Catahay Perez said, “We provide in-kind telecom services for all of [G3’s] locations here at CHamoru Village. it’s been a partnership for years.”
As the summer workshop concludes, both GTA and Guam Green Growth are optimistic about future collaborations. Catahay Perez said, “We really didn't think for it to come out this big and so successful. Hopefully, down the line… we'd like to partner again in the future.” mbj