On October 22, 2025, the EMC Foundation, with support from the ExxonMobil Foundation, conducted an initiation visit to the Chateau Margot Primary School to engage with the newly formed Environmental Club. The session, which was attended by 19 students from Grades 5 and 6 and two teachers, provided the opportunity for the EMC Foundation team to introduce the EMC Foundation, discuss exciting plans for upcoming activities, and outline the work plan for the first term.
The session began with a lively “Eco-Bingo” game, which was facilitated by Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, alongside Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator; Josiah Williams, Communications Officer; and Aletha Jewanram, Administrative Assistant. This interactive icebreaker fostered a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere, allowing students to connect with each other and the EMC Foundation team while encouraging active participation from the outset.
Abigail provided an engaging overview of the EMC Foundation’s mission, initiatives, and past activities, capturing the students’ attention and sparking curiosity about the environment and conservation. The club members were particularly interested in learning about the EMC Foundation’s Biodiversity Monitoring Programs that utilise camera traps to monitor wildlife in the Mahaica Watershed and Saxacalli Rainforest. They were also curious about the Foundation’s various tours, mangrove forests, and the publications that the EMC Foundation has produced.
A significant highlight of the session was that most of the members of the Environmental Club were able to identify the majority of the fauna captured on the EMC Foundation’s camera traps, naming both local and common names of animals, such as the Scarlet Ibis as “Curry Curry” and the Giant River Otter as “Water dog.”
The members also completed an “Eco-Word Search” activity as well as a question-and-answer exercise about the environment and the work of the EMC Foundation, for which they were able to win exciting prizes.
Students eagerly reviewed the EMC Foundation publications, asking questions and showing enthusiasm for the information and images, demonstrating a genuine interest in learning and participating in future activities. By the end of the session, students were excited and ready to begin Environmental Club activities. Overall, the session was successful in achieving its objectives, which were to spark interest in the E-STEM program and motivate active participation by students.
These activities are being implemented by the EMC Foundation through its ongoing E-STEM Program, with support from the ExxonMobil Foundation. The program aims to inspire environmental stewardship among young learners by combining classroom lessons with hands-on activities that promote conservation awareness, responsible environmental practices, and a deeper understanding of Guyana’s rich biodiversity.
Ms. Abigail Gobin Leading the Environmental Club Initiation Visit
Environmental Club Members Engaging in the “Eco-Bingo” and “Eco-Word Search” Activities
Club Members Interacting with the EMC Foundation Members
Club Members Interacting with EMC Foundation Publications
Environmental Club Members Interacting with the EMC Foundation 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.