Early exposure to science, technology, and programming has a direct impact on the cognitive development of children and young people. Aware of this potential, and aligned with its Education pillar within its Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, Petroterminal de Panamá (PTP) supported three initiatives that promote STEAM education as a real pathway for social mobility in the province of Chiriquí.

The most notable activity of the month was the Second Robotics Fair of the “Children Teaching Children” program, carried out in collaboration with the Baco General Basic Education Center. The initiative empowered students to become multipliers of knowledge for their peers, including children from the schools of Paso Canoas Arriba, Los Ángeles, Brisas del Mar, Monteverde, and Bilingüe de San Vicente, all located in the District of Barú. The fair brought together 150 students and teachers in a collaborative environment where the children themselves presented the projects they developed throughout the year.

Participants showcased robots and prototypes based on solar, wind, and continuous energy; sensor systems; direct current kits; and even competed in a robotic soccer tournament using Makeblock. They also created virtual environments for programming challenges with Kodu, demonstrating their ability to apply engineering concepts and computational logic in a practical and accessible way. This model—children teaching other children—is internationally recognized for strengthening autonomy, academic self-esteem, and peer learning, one of the most effective methodologies within the STEAM approach.

Additionally, at Colegio San Antonio, also located in the District of Barú, 280 middle and high school students participated in the presentation of projects created in the Robotics Club using Arduino CTC kits. With the ability to build more than 20 different prototypes, students developed creative solutions applying principles of electronics, design, and programming, demonstrating significant progress in technical and analytical skills.

Finally, in the city of David, PTP sponsored the 6th International Friendly Robotics Competition organized by the Technological University of Panama (UTP) through the ROBO-PROC research group. The event gathered more than 200 students from schools across different provinces, who participated in amateur and professional categories focused on science, technology, engineering, research, and mathematics—strengthening key skills for future academic and professional paths.

Together, these activities benefited more than 600 students and reaffirm Petroterminal de Panamá, S.A.’s commitment to promoting education that opens doors, builds skills, and enables the region’s youth to actively participate in an increasingly demanding technological environment.