On May 16, 2026 the EMC Foundation conducted an initiation visit to the Lake Mainstay Primary Environmental Club. The session saw attendance from approximately 28 members, including 1 teacher and club members from Grades 3, 4, 5 and 6. 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, “Planet Earth Says,” facilitated by Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, alongside Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator, 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 set up their own camera traps, each selecting a target species they hoped to capture.
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. 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 “Planet Earth Says” Activity
Club Members Deploying Teir Camera Traps
Club Members Engaging with the GPS Device
Club Members Using the Binoculars
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.