On May 12, 2026 the EMC Foundation conducted an initiation visit to the Mashabo Primary Environmental Club. The session, attended by approximately 16 members, including 3 teachers and club members from Grades 5 and 6, participated in the activity. The visit served to formally introduce the EMC Foundation team to the club, highlight the importance of Environmental Clubs, and engage students in hands-on learning aligned with the Ecosystems and Biodiversity Conservation Work Plan.
The session began with a lively icebreaker, “Eco-Pass the Ball,” facilitated by Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator, alongside Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, Sasha Singh, Intern and Trevor Emmanuel, Field Assistant and Driver. This interactive icebreaker 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.
A key highlight of the visit was a hands-on demonstration led by Sarah Singh, who introduced students to camera traps, explaining their different parts, uses, and applications in wildlife monitoring. Students were then challenged to independently set up their own camera traps, each selecting a target species they hoped to capture. They were also shown real camera trap footage of local wildlife collected by the EMC Group, which further strengthened their understanding and appreciation of Guyana’s rich biodiversity.
In addition, the club members were introduced to Global Positioning System (GPS) devices and guided on how to use them to accurately record locations. As part of the practical exercise, students marked and documented the coordinates of the camera trap sites they deployed, reinforcing real-world field monitoring skills.
The visit also included an introduction to digital biodiversity monitoring tools such as iNaturalist, eBird, and the Merlin Bird ID app, which were demonstrated to students as citizen science platforms for recording and identifying wildlife. Students were shown how iNaturalist can be used to document observations of plants and animals and contribute to global biodiversity databases, while eBird was introduced as a tool for recording bird sightings and supporting large-scale bird monitoring efforts. The Merlin Bird ID app was also demonstrated to assist with bird identification using photos, sounds, and field observations, helping to strengthen students’ species identification skills and encouraging active participation in biodiversity monitoring within their local environment.
Throughout the session students demonstrated strong enthusiasm and growing confidence in handling conservation equipment, actively applying knowledge gained through the Ecosystems and Biodiversity Conservation Work Plan. They also engaged enthusiastically in creative and interactive learning activities, including nature walks, tours, scavenger hunts, and arts and crafts.
The EMC Foundation E-STEM Program is supported by the ExxonMobil Foundation.
Club Members Engaging in the “Eco-Pass the Ball” Activity
Club Members Engaging with the Camera Traps
Club Member Engaging with the GPS Device
Club Members Using Binoculars and Environmental Apps
Club Members Engaging with EMC Group-Developed Materials
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.