Team El Salvador is made up of 571 students from various public schools across the country, with strong representation from the departments of Soyapango, San Miguel, and Santa Ana. All are part of the FUSALMO STEAM Maker Academy, a space that provides opportunities for children and youth to learn science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) in a practical and creative way. Team El Salvador has participated in the FIRST Global Robotics Challenge since 2018, taking part in the editions held in Mexico (2018), United Arab Emirates (2019), virtually in 2020 and 2021, Switzerland (2022), Singapore (2023), Greece (2024), and this year in Panama (2025).

As part of their training process, they take part in the STEAM Maker Challenge, the largest robotics competition in El Salvador, divided into three leagues: Sueña (ages 7–9), Transforma (10–14), and Crea (14–17). The competition fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork. With a broad social vision, the initiative seeks to reduce the digital divide and promote female inclusion in science and technology, inspiring Salvadoran children and youth to build a life project oriented toward an innovative future.
This year, we have a new generation of mentors who are passionate about robotics and committed to the growth of the participants of TEAM El Salvador:
Marco Ramírez – 23 years old
Since his teenage years, Marco has been fascinated by robotics, as it combines two of his greatest passions: programming and building. This fusion led him to become actively involved as a coach, where he deeply enjoys watching others constantly improve and develop new skills. As a mentor, his focus is on supporting young people in both their personal and technical growth, guiding them with patience and motivation.

David Cornejo – 18 years old
Driver of TEAM El Salvador in the FIRST Global Challenge 2024, David is passionate about robotics, especially prototype development, where he merges logic and imagination to bring new ideas to life. As a coach, he enjoys sharing his knowledge and working alongside the team to create innovative projects. He is deeply grateful for all the doors robotics has opened for him and feels committed to giving back by guiding the next generation.

Jefferson Escobar – 18 years old
Driver of TEAM El Salvador in the FIRST Global Challenge 2024, Jefferson is highly curious about how it’s possible to build and program multifunctional robots. Every day is a new opportunity to learn, and this drives him to continually improve. As a coach, he enjoys seeing how each new generation evolves and how the approach they receive can inspire them to change the world. For him, the key lies in igniting passion, as it is the driving force behind real change.

Fátima López – 32 years old
Fátima is passionate about sharing knowledge and awakening curiosity in young people. She enjoys seeing their ideas come to life and watching them develop both technical and soft skills such as teamwork, perseverance, empathy, and creativity. Supporting students in their journey, motivating them to solve problems, and witnessing their joy when their robot works is, for her, a unique and rewarding experience.

Roberto Asencio – 37 years old
Roberto values this experience as an enriching opportunity to support young learners in their educational journey. He enjoys motivating and guiding them, and witnessing how they develop new skills and self-confidence. He takes pride in being able to positively influence their academic and personal growth. For him, being a mentor is a great responsibility, but also a deeply satisfying role.

Stephanie Orantes – 17 years old
Captain of TEAM El Salvador in the FIRST Global Challenge 2023 and 2024, Stephanie is deeply grateful to FIRST Global and the Salvador del Mundo Foundation for introducing her to the incredible STEAM world through robotics. Thanks to that experience, she discovered her true passion and is now studying Mechatronics Engineering. As a coach, she loves inspiring children and youth to find their own path in the world of technology, innovation, and creativity. What she’s most passionate about as a coach is being able to leave a positive mark on new generations and motivate them to keep learning and dreaming big.

For TEAM El Salvador, the 2025 FIRST GLOBAL CHALLENGE theme is incredibly exciting. It presents a valuable opportunity to bring young people together around global challenges, encouraging them to think critically and act with purpose. Our team understands that building a better world begins with collaboration, empathy, and education. Robotics becomes much more than just technology—it is a bridge to sustainable development and a powerful tool for shaping the future. This challenge is not only thrilling but also deeply meaningful, as it offers students from diverse backgrounds the chance to contribute ideas and innovations that can impact not only their communities but the entire world

Team Media

teamelsalvador@fusalmo.org

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