The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Dr. Franco Rodie, has congratulated the Woodford International School Robotics Team for achieving an outstanding 4th place finish out of 190 countries at the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge held in Panama City.
Dr. Rodie joined teachers, parents, and classmates at Honiara International Airport on Thursday, 4 November, to welcome home the triumphant team in a celebration filled with cheers and pride.
The team, led by chaperone Mr. Lerric Tito, included Year 11 students Sanjaia Kalamendi and Chris Tony, and Year 10 student Kilifi Ruaia—young innovators who represented the Solomon Islands on the world stage in the international robotics competition.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Rodie commended the students’ remarkable performance, saying their success showcased the potential of Solomon Islands students to compete at the highest level of global science and technology.
“I am proud that you are competent to apply your knowledge on a global stage,” he said, noting that it was the first time Solomon Islands secondary school students had achieved such a high international ranking in robotics.
Woodford International School Principal, Mr. Alex Haro, described the achievement as historic, marking a new milestone for education and innovation in the country.
“This is the best performance so far,” he said. “Our students have made history for the Solomon Islands.”
The Woodford Robotics Team had previously placed 35th in an earlier edition of the competition. Their climb to 4th place in 2025 demonstrates not only their growing technical skills but also the increasing strength of STEM education in the Solomon Islands.