On May 13, 2026, the EMC Foundation conducted an initiation visit to the Lake Capoey Environmental Club. The session, attended by approximately 14 members, including 1 teacher and club members from Grades 4, 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 environmental facts learned through the E-STEM Program.
Sarah 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 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 students were also shown camera trap videos of local wildlife collected by the EMC Group.
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 continue Environmental Club activities and participate in the fun and exciting exercises outlined in the work plans.
The EMC Foundation E-STEM Program is supported by the ExxonMobil Foundation.
Club Members Engaging in the “Eco-Pass the Ball” Activity
Club Members Deploying their Camera Traps
Club Members Using the GPS Device
Club Members Engaging with EMC Group-Developed Materials
Club Members Engaging with EMC Foundation Publications
Club Members Interacting with EMC Foundation Selfie Frame and Banner
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.