On July 17, 2025, the EMC Foundation proudly hosted the first Community Listening Session for the Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook project in the vibrant village of Saxacalli, located along the Essequibo River.
This milestone event brought together both children and adults to experience the story in a new and immersive way. Attendees listened to both the English and Arawak versions of Arya Takes a Swim, viewed behind-the-scenes videos on the making of the project, and were treated to a special video snippet of the audiobook in Arawak. The event was also attended by Toshao Ms. Helen Williams, Environmental Club Coordinator Ms. Shanice Wilson, and other teachers from the village. Ms. Helen expressed her gratitude to the EMC Foundation for hosting the activity in the community.
The response from the community was enthusiastic and heartfelt. Many attendees expressed their excitement at hearing the Arawak language for the first time, while also gaining a deeper appreciation for sea turtle conservation efforts in Guyana.
The activity also provided a valuable opportunity for villagers to share their knowledge and experiences related to both the Arawak language and marine turtle conservation. Some residents recalled past sightings of turtles near Saxacalli, and a few shared that they had even rescued and released turtles that had come ashore in the area. These personal stories added a meaningful layer to the session, reinforcing the importance of community involvement in conservation and cultural preservation.
During the event, Ms. Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator of the EMC Foundation, shared insights into the project’s purpose and impact. “Arya Takes a Swim is more than just a children’s story; it represents decades of work to protect and conserve the four species of sea turtles found in Guyana,” Sarah noted.
She explained that the story was inspired by turtle telemetry exercises conducted by Environmental Management Consultants Inc. (EMC) along the Shell Beach Protected Area, and that the main character’s name was chosen in honour of Her Excellency Mrs. Arya Ali, First Lady of Guyana, a passionate advocate for animal and human rights.
Sarah also emphasised the project’s cultural significance, particularly its contribution to language preservation. “With the audiobook translated into Arawak, one of Guyana’s nine Indigenous languages, this project supports efforts to revitalise a language that is at risk of fading,” Sarah added.
The event offered more than just listening. It was a fully educational and interactive experience. Attendees explored the Turtle Conservation Exhibition, visited the EMC Foundation Corner featuring the organisation’s publications, and enjoyed fun, turtle-themed colouring and activity pages designed especially for younger participants.
Through these sessions, the EMC Foundation aims to raise awareness about sea turtle conservation while embracing and promoting Indigenous languages and heritage. By combining storytelling, science, and community voices, the Foundation continues to foster meaningful connections between people and the environment, ensuring that conservation and cultural preservation go hand in hand for future generations.
Attendees Viewing the Videos During the Programme
Ms. Sarah Singh Hosting the Listening Session
Attendees Interacting with the Turtle Conservation Exhibition
Attendees Interacting with the EMC Foundation Corner
EMC Foundation Team Members Interacting with the Attendees on Marine Turtle Conservation
Attendees Completing Turtle-Themed Colouring and Activity Sheets
Attendees Engaging with the Turtle Telemetry Selfie Frame and EMC Foundation Tokens
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.