On January 15, 2025, the EMC Foundation conducted an initiation visit to Annandale Secondary School on the East Coast of Demerara to engage with the newly formed Environmental Club. The session, attended by approximately 26 students from Forms 1 to 5, along with an Environmental Club Coordinator and a teacher, provided the EMC Foundation team with an opportunity to introduce itself, discuss exciting plans for upcoming activities, and outline the work plan for the first term.
The session began with a lively icebreaker “Eco-Bingo” activity, facilitated by Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, alongside Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator, and Josiah Williams, Communications Officer. This interactive icebreaker fostered a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere, allowing students to connect with the EMC Foundation team while learning about 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 a question-and-answer quiz based on the EMC Foundation’s Secondary Environmental Quiz Handbook, where they learned about Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy and phrases associated with combating climate change.
The members also showed keen interest in artistic activities and learning about the environment through nature walks, tours and scavenger hunts. The students were also shown videos developed by the EMC Group, such as camera trap videos and a video on turtle telemetry.
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 conserving the environment. 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 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.