Can young robotics fans unite a troubled Libya?

Youssef Jira, a fresh-faced 18-year-old in a hoodie with a bandana around his head, has big ambitions in a Libyan society where dictatorship and violence has dominated, rather than youthful creativity. Jira is one of a group of young tech fanatics who took part in the Libya Regional Championship for robotics in a suburb of Tripoli this month. Some 20 teams of 12-to-18-year-olds competed in the inclusive event. He wants to encourage other young people to use hi-tech to help modernise the divided and conflict-scarred country. "We want to send a message to the whole of society, because what we've learned has changed us a lot," Jira said, adding that he has gained new skills and learned about teamwork in pursuit of a common goal.