Bengaluru, February 18: Stonehill International School’s Technofest, a two-day inter-school competition for students, wrapped up with over 200 students from more than 25 schools participating across six cities, including Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Chennai. The festival was not just about competition; it served as an inclusive platform for students from diverse backgrounds to showcase their technological expertise through events such as Hackathon, Makeathon, and Formula 1 RC car racing.
The school's state-of-the-art design and tech labs opened their doors to participants from government and private institutions, including Oakridge International, Trio World Academy, and Jain International Residential School, among others. The Makeathon featured innovative projects, with students constructing items such as automatic dog feeders, handmade gaming chairs, tech dresses embedded with sensors, and smart shoes for the visually impaired. Likewise, Hackathon projects ranged from AI-based outfit prediction software to household chores planners.
One of the festival's highlights was the newly introduced Formula 1 RC car racing event, where students had the thrill of designing and racing their creations on the track. The atmosphere was electric, filled with cheers as teams raced against one another. Joe Lumsden, the Head of School, expressed his pride: “It was a real pleasure to be able to open our campus up to students from such diverse backgrounds and experiences and watch them come up with such creative, innovative ideas for addressing real-world issues.”
The festival was well-received, with participants praising the excellent infrastructure and the enriching learning experience it offered. Yogeshwaran, from the Government Boys Higher Secondary School, whose team won the senior category of the Makeathon, commented, “We were initially intimidated to be amid the international community, but the people at Stonehill made us feel at home. They encouraged and motivated us to perform.”
Meanwhile, on February 14, Valentine’s Day, the spirit of love and generosity was palpable as the Support Orphans in Southern Africa (SOSA) charity made its rounds. They brought joy to children at the Ocean View Care Centre in Cape Town, who were treated to hotdogs and sandwiches, with SOSA donating 100 hotdogs and providing 110 delicious sandwiches. Founded by JP Skinner and his wife, Renate Vink, SOSA aims to support underprivileged children across Southern Africa, demonstrating kindness with each meal they provide.
The SOSA Foundation has consistently brought warmth and kindness to the lives of children, and this act of kindness was another example of the joy it spreads. The children responded with smiles, appreciating not only the food but the care accompanying it. This simple gesture by SOSA exemplifies how small acts of kindness can significantly impact the lives of those faced with challenges.
Looking forward, from February 19-23, the annual Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) is set to highlight the importance of the maritime industry with its 31st edition. Dubai Harbour will welcome over 200 yachts and 1,000 brands from 55 countries, emphasizing Dubai's status as an international yachting capital. Among the big names engaging attendees will be Ferretti Group, San Lorenzo, and Gulf Craft, each set to debut remarkable yachts, including the Majesty 100 Terrace and the Y80 model by Princess Yachts.
Visitors can expect to see not just luxury vessels, but also get insights from leading industry figures and participate in diverse maritime events. The show continues to expand its appeal, offering luxury lifestyle experiences beyond the watercraft itself, including car displays and watersport activities.
Such gatherings not only promote marine innovation but also connect industry leaders, showcasing their latest advancements. Dubai's role as the host city helps to bolster its economy, drawing visitors and exhibitors alike, thereby enhancing its reputation on the world stage.
These massive events, whether they are tech fests, charitable contributions, or international gatherings like the DIBS, highlight the value of collective engagement. They provide platforms for collaboration, innovation, and the sharing of important messages across different sectors. From the spirited involvement of students to the heartfelt charity work presented by SOSA, and the luxurious showcases at DIBS, these events remind us of the positive impact of coming together for shared goals and creative expressions.
Indeed, as we witness these large-scale gatherings, the encouragement they provide for creativity, kindness, and cultural exchange cannot be overstated. They serve not just as events but as celebrations of community, hope, and the endless potential of human ingenuity.