WORCESTER, Mass. - A robotics team from Worcester, South Africa is now learning in a city with the same name, while spending time at WPI between competitions. 

Nine teenagers from the “Galactic Einsteins” team, along with their teachers and their Lego robot, came to Worcester last weekend to compete in WPI’s first Lego League Event. 

Their coach Kudakwashe Takawira said this event is special for team members because it's their first time outside of South Africa. The team is staying on the WPI campus this week to learn new skills from students and faculty before a different robotics competition later this month. 

“Taking time to prepare this big group to America was no easy task,” said Takawira. “We are all calling it a miracle because we never thought we would be here at this present moment.”

Team members said the WPI community has been very welcoming and this experience has brought them closer together. 

“Now, when we go to Maryland, we are going to be together so we can improve and show our teamwork,” said 17-year-old Khuselo Jini. “We used to work together, but we are going to show them teamwork is our number one thing.”

“We are like a family, like you would talk to your brother or kid around with your sister,” said 16-year-old Lilitha Siyo. “I’m glad I got a chance to be with them because they’re the best people I’ve ever met, they’re my best friends.”

The team said this trip is not just about improving their robot, it's also about learning about America and getting an idea of a college experience.