On December 19, 2025, the EMC Foundation hosted its annual Environmental Club Coordinators Connect, bringing together coordinators of the environmental clubs that are part of the Foundation’s E-STEM Program. The event celebrated the vital role coordinators play in guiding young minds and served as a pivotal planning session for the 2026 expansion of the E-STEM Program.
The workshop welcomed teachers, headteachers, and community leaders from eighteen schools across Guyana, all actively implementing the E-STEM Program curriculum in approximately 50 schools and villages along the coast. Participating schools included Little Biaboo Primary, Marian Academy Secondary, Tutorial High School, Tapakuma Lake Primary, St. Rose’s High School, Abram Zuil Secondary School, St. Stanislaus College, Tuschen Secondary, Good Hope Secondary, Lake Mainstay Primary and Secondary, St. Cuthbert’s Primary, De Hoop Primary, Saxacalli Primary, Mashabo Primarry, Open Doors Centre, Lake Capoey Primary and Nismes Secondary.
The Connect focused on recognising the contributions of coordinators throughout 2025, fostering collaboration, encouraging constructive feedback, and planning the 2026 activities. Coordinators also discussed strategies for expanding clubs, not only in numbers but also in innovative activities that align with the Foundation’s mission of nurturing youth environmental awareness.
Activities included a SWOT analysis exercise, where coordinators identified the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats facing their clubs. This exercise not only assessed the current state of the clubs but also offered an opportunity to brainstorm solutions and explore new possibilities. Icebreaker and networking sessions allowed coordinators to connect, share experiences, and demonstrate their passion for environmental education and youth mentorship.
Founder and Director of the EMC Foundation, Mr. Shyam Nokta, delivered remarks thanking the coordinators for their dedication to guiding youths toward environmental responsibility and STEM excellence. He also shared the Foundation’s vision for 2026, “We want to work with you to advance the use of technology in the new year. For example, during sessions on renewable energy, students should be able to see and interact with solar panels, understand how they work, and gain hands-on experience. We also aim to provide club members with experiences such as tours, nature walks, and mangrove explorations.”
In recognition of their invaluable contributions, the EMC Foundation, in partnership with the ExxonMobil Foundation, presented coordinators with appreciation hampers. These tokens symbolised gratitude for their dedication, hard work, and commitment to promoting positive change within their communities.
The event concluded successfully, with coordinators sharing experiences, exchanging ideas, and expressing enthusiasm for the growth and expansion of the E-STEM Program in 2026.
EMC Foundation Program Coordinator, Sarah Singh, Facilitating the Session
Mr. Shyam Nokta Providing Brief Remarks
Club Coordinators Participating in the Icebreaker Activities
Club Coordinators Participating in the SWOT Analysis Exercise
Club Coordinators Networking with the EMC Foundation and ExxonMobil Foundation Teams
Club Coordinators Receiving their Tokens of Appreciation
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.