Iakwe nan kom woj aolep (greetings to you all). We are the one and only team ‘GINRY’ representing the Marshall Islands. Our team of five is thrilled already! We absolutely cannot wait to risk it all and go out to experience the unknown. Our young minds are ready to seize and fill themselves and of course, share the knowledge to our nation. Knowing that a small step can lead to a great accomplishment, we are prepared even though we are well aware that we will be away from our families, friends, and our home. Our team knows it is beneficial and worthwhile not just for us, but for future generations.

Our team is made up of five students, each from four different schools which are Marshall Islands High School (MIHS), Assumption High School(AHS), Majuro Cooperative School (COOP), and Laura High School (LHS). We are from a small nation that contains people with tremendous accomplishments. Our ancestors known for being excellent at voyaging the vast ocean and were by far, the ones who showed many others how to sail. Morever, if they were willing to teach others their ways of sailing, then we are willing to learn whatever is put out there and prepared for our minds to consume.

Each of us share a common passion, taking into account that we have put so much effort, nonetheless, to arrive at this point. This program is something we could all learn from and hopefully, share the knowledge to younger generations. We are thrilled to experience and explore not the big world out there, but the intelligence within ourselves. Despite the challenges that the globe faces each day, it may be that we are a bit reckless. However, it is for a good reason for we know the outcome of it.

Our islands has faced consequences of carbon emissions such as climate change, specifically sea level rise for many years. For instance, the oil leaked from ships and into the waters has been an issue, pointing out the fact that our main source of food comes from the sea. It is not just an issue, but also a great impact on both land and sea life. Over and above that, we hope for when we return from our journey to which we find the solution for these issues that we have been encountering, we hold the answers to share to schools, the community, and hopefully to the leaders better ways to live without depending on carbon emissions.

Yelmer Kuleo Lejjena (Spokeperson)
Iakwe, my name is Yelmer Kuleo Lejjena, I am a senior in Majuro Cooperative School. My main focus in this program will be to develop team chemistry with my fellow teamates. In my freetime I like playing basketball, going outside, and hanging out with friends. I am looking forward to meeting new people and also developing great team skill.

Gladden Henry Lakmej (Driver)
Iakwe, my name’s Gladden Henry Lakmej. I’m a senior at Marshall Islands High School. This will be my first time traveling so far from home and learn about robotics. I’ll also be discovering numerous new things from different people who all have their own background to share. I watch YouTube videos and do Calisthenics as my hobbies. This is a once-a-lifetime opportunity for me, and I will do as much as I can for the team as well as developing a sense of teamwork.

Nalizia Nala deBrum (Spokeperson)
Iakwe, my name is Nalizia Nala deBrum and I am 17 years old. I am a student of Laura High School in the Marshall Islads. My hobby is reading. I am very excited to be part of the team that represent RMI on the FIRST Global Challenge that will take place in Switzerland. I’m looking forward to being part of the FIRST Global Challenge because I’m 100% sure that this is a great opportunity for me to learn and gain experience, to develop skills, to have fun, and make friends from around the world.

Isatako Timothy (Co-captain)
Hello, my name is Isatako Timothy an 18 year old senior attending Marshall Island High School. I am honored to be participating in this program. Watching Netflix shows and reading are my hobbies. I am looking forward to be working along side with my team mates to not only explore new things relating to robotic materials but also share knowledge and working together.

Rosbilla Billa Morris (Captain)
Hello all, I am Rosbilla of Uliga, but you can call me Liwie. I am an upcoming 17 year-old, senior and I’m black. I attend Assumption High School, which is one of great schools in the Marshall Islands. I am alive and thankful for this program because not only does it offer such rare opportunity, but it has given me the chance to learn more and expand my apprehension. It feels great to be looking forward to something and stress about it as much as you want!

Vladimir G. Gulfan Sr. (Mentor)
Iakwe! My name is Vladimir G. Gulfan Sr. and I will be the mentor for team Marshall Islands also known as team ‘GINRY’. We are all new to this program and are thrilled to be a part of this once in a lifetime educational event. We are passionate and committed in sharing together the spread of STEM education. We came from four different high schools but, we also share the same values, respect and gives importance to teamwork. Each experience that will encounter throughout this program will not only benefit the team but to our family, school and to the community as a whole. God bless team Marshall Islands and to the rest of the participants.

Thank you to our supporters!