On August 12, 2025, the EMC Foundation proudly hosted the third Community Listening Session for the Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook project in the culturally rich village of Moraikobai, nestled along the Mahaicony River in Region 5.
This engaging event brought together residents of all ages to enjoy Arya Takes a Swim in an immersive and meaningful way. Attendees listened to both the English and Arawak versions of the story, viewed exclusive behind-the-scenes footage on the making of the audiobook, and watched a special video snippet of the Arawak-language version.
The gathering was warmly embraced by the community and attended by Toshao of Moraikobai, Mr. Derrick John, Community Service Officers, village councillors, elders, teachers, students, and other residents.
The response was enthusiastic and heartfelt, with many expressing their excitement at hearing the Arawak language in such a creative, modern presentation. The session also helped raise local awareness about sea turtle conservation and the importance of safeguarding Guyana’s diverse wildlife and habitats.
Ms. Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator of the EMC Foundation, delivered remarks during the session, noting that Arya Takes a Swim carries a broader conservation message built on years of work to protect Guyana’s four sea turtle species. She explained that the story draws from turtle telemetry research conducted by Environmental Management Consultants Inc. (EMC) along the Shell Beach Protected Area, and that the main character’s name honours Her Excellency Mrs. Arya Ali, First Lady of Guyana, who is a dedicated advocate for both animal welfare and human rights.
Sarah also highlighted that the project honours Indigenous communities and helps preserve their languages. “Around the Shell Beach Protected Area, and in many of the Indigenous communities the EMC Foundation works with, the majority of residents belong to the Lokono Nation. For this reason, Lokono was chosen as the Indigenous language to be featured in this project. By producing Arya Takes a Swim in Lokono, this initiative contributes to wider efforts of cultural revitalisation, helping to preserve and promote Indigenous identity, pride, and storytelling for future generations.”
Toshao of Moraikobai and Chairman of the National Toshaos Council, Mr. Derrick John, also delivered remarks during the Community Listening Session and noted that this project will have far-reaching positive effects in his community.
“I think that this initiative will help Indigenous people, especially here in Moraikobai, to see the importance of our environment and how we can learn to protect it and also the importance of biodiversity on a wider scale. And I also feel so honoured that we could have a project that has integrated the indigenous language, and this gives us urgency to see our language as it is now and see that there is hope for revival.”
In a special moment during the session, Ms. Sarah Singh presented Toshao Derrick John with a copy of Arya Takes a Swim. This gesture symbolised the EMC Foundation’s commitment to sharing knowledge and resources directly with Indigenous leaders and communities, ensuring that conservation stories like Arya’s continue to inspire and educate at the village level.
The event went beyond storytelling, featuring an engaging Turtle Conservation Exhibition, an EMC Foundation Corner displaying the organisation’s key publications, and fun turtle-themed activities and colouring pages for children.
Through interactive events like this, the EMC Foundation continues to bring together conservation, culture, and community. By blending storytelling, science, and Indigenous voices, the Foundation remains committed to protecting Guyana’s biodiversity while celebrating its rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
Attendees Viewing the Videos During the Programme
Ms. Sarah Singh Hosting the Listening Session
Toshao of Moraikobai, Mr. Derrick John, Providing Remarks
Ms. Sarah Singh Presenting a Copy of Arya Takes a Swim to Toshao Derrick John
Attendees Interacting with the Turtle Conservation Exhibition
Attendees Interacting with the EMC Foundation Corner
Attendees Completing Turtle-Themed Colouring and Activity Sheets
Attendees Engaging with the Turtle Telemetry Selfie Frame
The EMC Foundation was established by Mr. Shyam Nokta, winner of the 2022 Anthony N Sabga Award for Entrepreneurship. The Foundation works to support environmental awareness and education in Guyana by promoting activities which encourage a greater understanding of the environment, creating a network to connect like-minded persons, and providing opportunities to experience Guyana’s rich natural environment.