On January 9, 2025 the EMC Foundation conducted an initiation visit to Nismes Secondary School on the West Bank of Demerara, Region 3, to engage with the newly formed Environmental Club. The session, which was attended by approximately 17 students from Grade 7, along with an Environmental Club Coordinator, 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 icebreaker activity, our “Eco-Bingo” activity, 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 the EMC Foundation team while learning about animals and the environment and encouraging active participation.
Abigail provided an engaging overview of the EMC Foundation’s mission, initiatives, projects, 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, drone programs and outreach activities.
The club members also actively participated in the “Eco-Wordsearch” activity, which taught them problem-solving skills as well as common phrases associated with Guyana’s environment. Additionally, the students participated in the EMC Foundation’s “Eco-Charades” activity, where they learned about simple actions that can be taken to conserve the environment in a fun and interactive way.
The members also showed keen interest in artistic activities and exploring and learning about the environment through nature walks, tours and scavenger hunts. Some members also asked questions about the technology used to maintain a healthy environment, such as drones, camera traps, GPS devices, and cameras, as well as learning to use these tools.
Students also 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. They also requested to view videos developed by the EMC Group, such as camera trap videos and a video on turtle telemetry. By the end of the session, students were excited and ready to begin Environmental Club activities and participate in the fun and exciting exercises outlined in the curriculum.
The EMC Foundation E-STEM Program is supported by the ExxonMobil Foundation.
Ms. Abigail Gobin Facilitating the Session
Club Members Engaging in the “Eco-Bingo” and “Eco-Wordsearch” Activities
Club Members Engaging in the “Eco-Charades” Activity
Club Members Interacting with the EMC Foundation Team
Club Members Interacting with EMC Foundation publications
Club Members Viewing Videos on Activities Implemented by the EMC Group
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.