On May 16, 2026, the EMC Foundation conducted an initiation visit to the Lake Mainstay Youth Environmental Club. The session, attended by 3 members, including club members from Forms 2 to 4, 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 an introduction to environmental devices facilitated by Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator, alongside Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, Sasha Singh, Intern and Trevor Emmanuel, Field Assistant and Driver.
Sarah introduced the club members to camera traps, explaining their different parts, uses, and applications in wildlife monitoring. The club members were then challenged to independently 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 record locations accurately. As part of the practical exercise, they marked and documented the coordinates of the camera-trap sites they deployed, reinforcing real-world field-monitoring skills.
The club members also learned about binoculars, explaining their purpose and how they are used in environmental monitoring, particularly for observing wildlife such as birds. The members were then given the opportunity to use the binoculars themselves to scan the surroundings of Lake Mainstay. The club members also used apps like Merlin, eBird and iNaturalist to identify bird species.
The members also showed keen interest in learning about the environment through nature walks, tours, scavenger hunts and learning to operate drones and camera traps. They were also shown camera trap videos of local wildlife collected by the EMC Group.
The club members 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 Deploying their Camera Traps
Club Members Using the GPS Device
Club Members Using Binoculars
Club Members Using Environmental Apps
Club Members Engaging with the EMC Foundation Publications
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.