On March 27, 2026, the EMC Foundation conducted an initiation visit to Winfer Gardens Primary School to engage with the newly formed Environmental Club. The session, attended by 47 students from Grades one to six and two teachers, 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, “Planet Earth Says,” facilitated by Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, alongside Siddi Nandkishore, Projects Assistant, and Sasha Singh, Intern. This interactive activity fostered a fun and welcoming atmosphere, allowing students to connect with the EMC Foundation team while highlighting simple actions that can be taken to conserve and protect the environment. Following the icebreaker, a short quiz segment was conducted to test the students’ environmental knowledge, further encouraging participation and engagement.
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 the Foundation’s Biodiversity Monitoring Programs, drone programs and outreach activities, and asked many questions about what they would be learning throughout the club’s curriculum.
The students listened intently to the presentation, actively engaging by asking and answering questions about camera traps, mangroves, ecosystems, and the overall environment.
The club members also actively participated in the “Eco-Wordsearch” activity, which taught them problem-solving skills while reinforcing common phrases associated with Guyana’s environment.
The members also showed keen interest in artistic activities and learning about the environment through nature walks, tours, scavenger hunts, arts and craft activities, and learning to operate drones and camera traps. The session included a viewing of camera trap footage, which amazed the students and allowed them to identify several local animals.
Students 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 expressed interest in becoming environmentalists and were excited to begin the Environmental Club activities and participate in the fun and engaging exercises outlined in the work plan.
The EMC Foundation E-STEM Program is supported by the ExxonMobil Foundation.
Ms. Abigail Gobin Facilitating the Session
Club Members Engaging in the “Planet Earth Says” Activity
Club Members Engaging in the “Eco-Wordsearch” 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.