On August 22, 2025, the EMC Foundation proudly hosted the fourth Community Listening Session for the Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook project in the scenic Indigenous community of Warapoka Village, nestled along the Waini River in Region 1.
This vibrant event brought together both children and adults to experience Arya Takes a Swim in an immersive and meaningful way. Attendees enjoyed both the English and Arawak (Lokono) versions of the story, viewed behind-the-scenes footage on the production of the audiobook, and watched a special video snippet of the Lokono-language version.
The gathering of close to 70 people warmly embraced the event, and it was attended by Toshao of Warapoka, Mr. Jaremy Boyal, along with Community Service Officers, village councillors, elders, teachers, environmental club coordinators, students, and other residents. The response was enthusiastic and heartfelt, with many participants expressing their excitement at hearing the Lokono language brought to life in such a modern and creative form. The session also helped raise local awareness about sea turtle conservation and the importance of protecting Guyana’s extraordinary wildlife and ecosystems.
The United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Guyana, H.E. Mrs. Jane Miller, OBE and the British High Commission’s Programme Manager, Kassia De Santos, also attended this listening session. The Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook project is being implemented by the EMC Foundation with support from the Blue Social Challenge Fund Pilot, part of the UK’s Sustainable Blue Economy Programme.
Ms. Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator of the EMC Foundation, delivered remarks during the session, highlighting that Arya Takes a Swim carries a broader conservation message rooted in years of work to safeguard Guyana’s four sea turtle species. She explained that the story was inspired by 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, a committed advocate for both animal welfare and human rights.
Sarah also emphasised that the project honours Indigenous communities and helps preserve their languages. “These communities have lived in harmony with the environment for generations, carrying deep knowledge of the land, rivers, and wildlife. However, many of these cultural traditions and languages are under threat, as fewer people are learning and speaking their Indigenous languages today.”
Toshao of Warapoka, Mr. Jaremy Boyal, who was once a part of the turtle conservation efforts at the Shell Beach Protected Area, also delivered remarks during the Community Listening Session. He emphasised the value of integrating Indigenous languages into conservation education by working with organisations such as the EMC Foundation. He said, “I would like to thank the EMC Group for working with Warapoka Village. This partnership has been a good one, and we have seen progress. Children have become excited. The school, teachers, environmental club coordinators, and head teachers have played a very important role in keeping the children engaged and occupied. With this Arya Takes a Swim activity, we had a very positive engagement, and we were happy to have the UK High Commissioner here with us.”
UK High Commissioner to Guyana, H.E. Jane Miller also shared remarks and expressed her happiness in supporting initiatives like the Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook while highlighting the importance of protecting the natural environment. She noted, “There are many reasons why preserving the world’s nature, preserving the environment, is important. It’s important for our climate, our food, our medicine and other things like Tourism. In many parts of the world, preserving biodiversity creates many jobs as well because people come as tourists.”
In a special moment during the event, Toshao Jaremy Boyal presented Mrs. Jane Miller and Ms. Sarah Singh with a copy of their Warapoka Village Book. This gesture was kindly returned by High Commissioner Miller, who presented the village with a token of her appreciation. These gestures reflected the hospitality and appreciation of the residents of Warapoka.
The session extended beyond storytelling, featuring a lively Turtle Conservation Exhibition, an EMC Foundation Corner showcasing the organisation’s publications, and fun turtle-themed activities and colouring pages for children.
Through interactive events like this, the EMC Foundation continues to connect conservation, culture, and community. By blending storytelling, science, and Indigenous voices, the Foundation reaffirms its commitment to protecting Guyana’s biodiversity while celebrating its rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
Attendees Viewing the Videos During the Programme
Sarah Singh Hosting the Listening Session
Toshao Jaremy Boyal Providing Brief Remarks
High Commissioner Jane Miller Providing Brief Remarks
Exchange of Tokens of Appreciation between Toshao Jaremy Boyal, High Commissioner Jane Miller and Sarah Singh
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.