STEMDUP Institute and RCNMO Empower Youth Through Robotics and Innovation Workshop

The STEMDUP Institute, under the leadership of its founder and chairman Sheikh Musa Drammeh, in collaboration with the Regional Council of Nigerian Muslim Organizations (RCNMO), brought together technology, innovation, and community learning on Saturday, October 12, during a full-day Robotics and Coding Workshop at Masjid Muba, Nigerian American Islamic Mission (NAIM Center), located at 221 Bergen Street, Newark, New Jersey.

The workshop — held from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. — was part of the ongoing RCNMO Education Workshop Series, a joint initiative aimed at equipping young people with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving world of technology.

Led by Mariam O. Agbelusi, coordinator and instructor for the event, the workshop focused on creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving through hands-on engagement in robotics and coding. Participants were encouraged to bring their own laptops, tablets, and smartphones to engage with PictoBlox, a visual programming software that makes learning coding accessible and fun for beginners.

“This session is dynamic, interactive, and full of creative exploration,” Agbelusi said. “It’s not just about programming robots — it’s about empowering young people to innovate, collaborate, and think critically. These are lifelong skills that go beyond the classroom.”

The atmosphere at Masjid Muba was lively and inspiring as children, parents, and community members took part in coding challenges, robot-building exercises, and interactive design activities. Many participants described the session as “fun, educational, and confidence-boosting,” reflecting the workshop’s success in blending learning with excitement.

The STEMDUP Institute, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Diversity, Unity, and Peace, continues to set a standard for educational innovation rooted in cultural and community values. Founded by Sheikh Musa Drammeh, a Bronx-based interfaith leader and educator, the institute seeks to use education as a catalyst for empowerment, unity, and peacebuilding across communities.

“Our mission is to prepare the next generation not just to adapt to the future, but to lead it,” Sheikh Drammeh said. “Through collaborations like this with RCNMO, we’re ensuring that every child — regardless of background — has access to the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to shape a better tomorrow.”

The event underscored the importance of collaboration between faith-based and educational organizations in addressing learning gaps and promoting inclusion. Through initiatives like the RCNMO Education Workshops, STEMDUP aims to reach immigrant and underserved communities, fostering creativity and digital literacy among youth while promoting cross-cultural understanding.

The Newark robotics workshop is part of a broader effort by the STEMDUP Institute to establish sustainable educational ecosystems through partnerships with mosques, schools, and community organizations across the United States and Africa. The session’s blend of technology and community engagement showcased how education can serve as a bridge between tradition and modern innovation.

As the workshop concluded, participants left inspired and motivated to continue exploring robotics and coding independently. “STEM education isn’t only about science and technology,” Agbelusi remarked. “It’s about shaping mindsets and helping young people realize that they can be creators, problem-solvers, and leaders in their own communities.”

The success of the Newark event highlights STEMDUP’s growing impact in advancing inclusive, peace-oriented education. In an increasingly digital world, its approach reaffirms a powerful message — that progress flourishes where knowledge, diversity, and unity meet.