Eldorado Park Chess, Robotics and Coding (EPCRC) hosted the Youth Hackathon and Chess Challenge (YHCC) at 78 Sirkel Road, Extension Five, Eldorado Park, on June 20 as part of the commemoration of Youth Day.

The event received support from parents and community members, who came out to witness their children present innovative ideas aimed at solving everyday challenges.

Eldos Robotics founder Alicia McPherson said the YHCC was created to give young people a platform to showcase their creativity, innovation, problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking.

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The event comes on the back of a successful expo they presented at FNB Stadium on June 16.

McPherson said: “What started as a day for the kids to come out, have fun and do what they love turned into something much bigger. The young people themselves put in the work and made suggestions. Everything you see here is 100% their doing.

“She explained that the event provides participants with an opportunity to develop solutions, demonstrate technical skills and gain valuable experience in areas such as public speaking, teamwork and critical thinking.

“Through coding, robotics, innovation and chess, we encourage young people to think beyond their circumstances and discover their potential as future leaders, entrepreneurs and engineers. These kids are changemakers,” she said.

The learners were divided into eight teams to present their ideas. Unfortunately, Team One withdrew from the competition.

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Team Titans Hardware members Innocent Denson, Abigail van Wyk, Nawaaz Sheik and Keanu Jacobs won the competition.

The team developed a medication reminder box to assist elderly people and others who suffer from memory problems, complicated medication schedules, poor eyesight or confusion about which medication to take.

Missing doses can lead to worsening health conditions, increased hospital visits and a reduced quality of life.

The medication reminder box can help older adults take their medicine correctly and on time, improving their health and independence.

Rose Mahambe from Rockville attended with her grandson, Mdimentile Mahambe. She said she wanted to enrol her grandson in the programme after seeing their presentation on TV on June 16.

Competition judge Timothy Bernard encouraged parents to support their children in the programme to help secure a bright future for youngsters and divert their attention from negative influences such as gangsterism in the community.

McPherson added that the purpose of the event was not simply to determine a winner, but to celebrate learning, creativity, resilience and the talent that exists within the community’s youth.