Iakwe! Team Marshall Islands is honoured to represent our nation at the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge under the theme Eco Equilibrium. This global call to restore biodiversity and strengthen ecological balance echoes deeply with our story, for we come from one of the world’s most climate vulnerable nations.

The Marshall Islands is a country of low-lying atolls, where the highest points rise barely above sea level. The nation’s landscapes, livelihoods and way of life are shaped by the ocean and the risk it brings. Rising seas, saltwater intrusion, eroding shorelines, and vanishing habitats are daily realities for us. All these threaten the very fragile ecosystems that sustain its people.

For the Marshallese, biodiversity is not a foreign or abstract concept. It is the coral reefs that shield our islands, the marine life that supports our survival and the sea that anchors our culture. Therefore, by engaging in the Eco Equilibrium challenge, we are not only learning engineering and programming but are also exploring how technology can help protect ecosystems, secure food systems, and preserve life on the frontlines of climate change.

We come to this global stage not only to compete, but to share our story and to inspire. We may be a small nation, but our determination is as vast as the ocean around us. Our mission is to uplift our community, to inspire global action, and to show that innovation can keep hope alive.

Tebina Hicking
My name is Tebina Hicking. I am 16 years old and currently attending Marshall Islands High School. I would like to join the robotics competition because I see it as a chance to grow and show what I am capable of. Robotics is exciting to me because it is not only about building machines, but also about creativity, teamwork, and problem solving. I want to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself to achieve something meaningful. This competition might help me gain confidence, learn new skills, and create opportunities for my future while making a name for myself.

Elizabeth Jarom
Iakwe! My name’s Elizabeth Jarom, I am a student attending Laura High School as a senior. I am 17 and my hobbies are volleyball, reading, and eating. My favourite subjects in school are Language Arts and math, mainly because it’s fun to learn a new equation or topic to write about, and sometimes it’s challenging. Since 3rd grade, I’ve always seemed to take interest in anything involving STEM, that includes robotics. I was fascinated by robots especially robots that are similar to humans, like in the movie “Angelita.” With a little bit experience with coding and engineering I hope to make my islands proud. I also hope to share connections and make new friends.

Rhea Nathan
lakwe, I am Rhea Nathan. I am 16 years old and currently attending Majuro Baptist Christian Academy as a junior. I was surprised when they told me that I would be joining the robotics team since I don’t know that much about robots. I decided to do some research about robots, how they work and was immediately intrigued by it. At first, I was very nervous, but the more l understood it, I started to feel relieved and excited about it. I’m eager to learn about how to build a robot, program it, and learn about many things from this competition. I want to say that I am proud to serve our country and grateful for this opportunity.

Demetrius Peren
My name is Demetrius Peren, and I come from a family of seven and I am honoured to be representing my country the Marshall Islands in the first global challenge robotic 2025. I attend Delap SDA School, and I have been interested in FGC since I had someone attending this event. I have heard about the fun experience of the robotic challenge, and I wanted to experience it. I am just grateful that I am in the team and am looking forward to challenges that me and my teammates will face in this year’s robotic competition.

Dyson Katlong
My name is Dyson Katlong. I am one of the senior students for Life Skills Academy who is attending a robotics program. I am blessed to take this opportunity to be honest. It is my first time taking a robotic program. I will do my best and focus on learning more about robotics. I would like to join a robotics program to improve my education. I am ready to do everything we will do in the robotic program last but not least, I would like to thank LSA for choosing me to join this program.

Team Media

kritish.chand@usp.ac.fj

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