What was achieved

The 2025 pilot exceeded expectations:

• 20 students completed the full 50+ hour programme

• 100% completion rate on the final project (mini Segway robots)

• Significant survey gains in equations of motion and stabilisation controllers, topics typically taught in third-year mechanical engineering

• Strong demand for more, with students asking for follow-up opportunities immediately after the camp

The pilot also revealed something important: many students arrived with gaps in foundational maths and physics that the national curriculum should have covered. Despite this, when given structured teaching, patient mentors, and a makerspace to test their work, they made rapid progress.

Why we're doubling down

The pilot proved the model works. It also showed that GEAR Lab fills a gap beyond what we originally expected.

In Haiti, schools are frequently closed due to insecurity. Even when open, hands-on STEM teaching is rare. GEAR Lab gives students something they can't get elsewhere: a space to apply theory, build real things, and work in teams on challenging problems.

The 2025 cohort asked two questions repeatedly: "When can we do this again?" and "Can my friends join next time?" Demand is there. The team is experienced. The curriculum is tested. Scaling up now means more students get access while the momentum is fresh.

What this phase will do

Over 2026, Hector Foundation will run 4-6 GEAR Lab cohorts, alternating with DRILL sessions to maintain a pipeline from introductory to advanced training.

Each cohort will:

• Serve 20 students over four weeks (40-50 hours)

• Cover control theory, simulation, and hands-on robotics

• Culminate in teams building and demonstrating stabilisation robots

This phase adds:

• Loaner laptops for students without devices

• Portable internet routers as backup when school networks fail

By December 2026, 80-120 DRILL graduates will have completed advanced robotics training.