On April 15, 2026 the EMC Foundation proudly hosted a Community Listening Session for the Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook project in the Indigenous Village of Waramuri, located in Region One.
This engaging session brought together 66 participants, including 26 community members and 40 students, who experienced Arya Takes a Swim in an immersive and meaningful way. Attendees first viewed a video on the sea turtle telemetry programme, followed by exclusive behind-the-scenes footage on the making of the audiobooks, highlighting both the conservation work and the creative process behind the project.
The gathering was warmly embraced by the community, with participation from students, teachers, village leaders, and other residents. The response was enthusiastic and heartfelt. The session also helped raise awareness about sea turtle conservation and the importance of protecting Guyana’s diverse wildlife and habitats.
Ms. Sarah Singh, EMC Foundation’s Program Coordinator, chaired the listening session and emphasised that Arya Takes a Swim carries an overarching message on local conservation efforts to protect the four endangered turtle species in Guyana. She explained that the story was inspired by the turtle telemetry programme conducted by Environmental Management Consultants (EMC) Inc. along the Shell Beach Protected Area. She also noted that the main character was named after Her Excellency Mrs. Arya Ali, First Lady of Guyana, in recognition of her advocacy for animal welfare and human rights.
Ms. Singh also highlighted that the project honours Indigenous communities and contributes to the preservation of their languages. “These communities have lived in harmony with the environment for generations, carrying deep knowledge of the land, rivers, and wildlife. However, many of these cultural traditions and languages are under threat, as fewer people are learning and speaking their Indigenous languages today.”
Toshao Vivian Edwards also delivered brief remarks during the session, sharing the history and culture of Waramuri Village and emphasising the importance of preserving Indigenous heritage and traditions. “Unfortunately, our culture is dying, and dances are only practised during Mashramani and Heritage Month. However, some persons are still making crafts such as sifters, matapee, fans, and baskets.”
In a special moment during the session, Ms. Sarah Singh presented Toshao Vivian Edwards with a copy of Arya Takes a Swim. This gesture symbolised the EMC Foundation’s commitment to sharing knowledge and resources directly with Indigenous leaders and communities, ensuring that conservation stories like Arya’s continue to inspire and educate at the village level.
At the end of the session, attendees listened to the English version of the Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook and enjoyed a Turtle Conservation Exhibition, an EMC Foundation Corner showcasing key publications, and a range of engaging turtle-themed children’s activities, including word searches, crosswords, and colouring pages.
The Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook project was implemented by the EMC Foundation with support from the Blue Social Challenge Fund Pilot, part of the UK’s Sustainable Blue Economy Programme. It forms an important part of the EMC Foundation’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness and foster a collective commitment to marine turtle conservation in Guyana.
Through interactive events like this the EMC Foundation continues to bring together conservation, culture, and community. By blending storytelling, science, and Indigenous voices, the Foundation remains committed to protecting Guyana’s biodiversity while celebrating its rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
Attendees Viewing the Videos During the Programme
Ms. Sarah Singh Delivering Remarks During the Session
Toshao Vivian Edwards Delivering Remarks During the Session
Attendees Completing Turtle-Themed Activity Sheets
Attendees Engaging with the Turtle Telemetry 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.