On January 22, 2025, the EMC Foundation conducted an initiation visit to Lusignan Primary School on the East Coast of Demerara to engage with the newly formed Environmental Club. The session, attended by approximately 80 students from Grade 5, along with an Environmental Club Coordinator and 2 teachers, provided the EMC Foundation team with an opportunity to introduce itself, discuss exciting plans for upcoming activities, and outline the work plan for the first term.
The session began with a lively icebreaker “Planet-Earth Says” activity, facilitated by Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, alongside Josiah Williams, Communications Officer, and Aletha Jewanram, Administrative Officer. This interactive icebreaker fostered a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere, allowing students to connect with the EMC Foundation team while learning about simple actions that can be taken to conserve and protect the environment.
Abigail provided an engaging overview of the EMC Foundation’s mission, initiatives, projects, and past activities, capturing the students’ attention and sparking curiosity about the environment and conservation. The club members were particularly interested in learning about the EMC Foundation’s Biodiversity Monitoring Programs, drone usage and outreach activities.
The club members also actively participated in the “Eco-Quiz for Kids” activity, which gauged their knowledge of the environment, Guyana’s rich biodiversity, conservation practices and key environmental topics. This question-and-answer activity was highly successful and saw full participation from the students in attendance, which demonstrated their passion for the environment and their connection and understanding of the information presented by the EMC Foundation team.
The members also showed keen interest in artistic activities and learning about the environment through nature walks, tours and scavenger hunts. The students were also shown videos developed by the EMC Group, such as camera trap videos and a video on turtle telemetry.
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 begin Environmental Club activities and participate in the fun and exciting exercises outlined in the curriculum.
The EMC Foundation E-STEM Program is supported by the ExxonMobil Foundation.
Ms. Abigail Gobin Facilitating the Session
Club Members Engaging in the “Planet-Earth Says” Activity
Club Members Engaging in the “Eco-Quiz for Kids” Activity
Club Members Interacting with the EMC Foundation Team
Club Members Interacting with EMC Foundation publications
Club Members Viewing Videos on Activities Implemented by the EMC Group
Club Members interacting with the EMC Foundation Selfie Frame
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.