On May 11, 2026, the EMC Foundation proudly hosted a Community Listening Session for the Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook project in the Indigenous community of Tapakuma.
This engaging session brought together approximately 40 participants, who experienced Arya Takes a Swim in an immersive and meaningful way. Attendees first viewed a video on the turtle telemetry programme, followed by exclusive behind-the-scenes footage on the making of the audiobook, highlighting both the conservation work and the creative process behind the project.
The gathering was warmly embraced by the community and attended by elders, the village council, teachers, students, and other villagers. The response was enthusiastic and very well received, with many excited to hear the Arawak language brought to life through such a modern and creative approach. 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 bears 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 explained that the main character was named after Her Excellency Mrs. Arya Ali, First Lady of Guyana, to honour her dedicated advocacy for animal welfare and human rights.
Sarah also highlighted that the project honours Indigenous communities and helps preserve their languages. “Around the Shell Beach Protected Area, and in many of the Indigenous communities the EMC Foundation works with, the majority of residents belong to the Arawak Nation. For this reason, Arawak was chosen as the Indigenous language to be featured in this project. By producing Arya Takes a Swim in Arawak, this initiative contributes to wider efforts of cultural revitalisation, helping to preserve and promote Indigenous identity, pride, and storytelling for future generations.”
Toshao Keanu Thomas also delivered brief remarks during the session. Toshao highlighted the importance of preserving Indigenous language and culture, encouraging young people to actively participate in learning and passing on their ancestral language. “It’s important that we preserve our culture and language is part of that.” He also encouraged children to take part in upcoming language activities at the school level and support efforts to keep the language alive for future generations.
In a special moment during the session, Ms. Sarah Singh presented Miss Tapakuma, Kaysec Chappelle, with a copy of Arya Takes a Swim. The gesture reflected the EMC Foundation’s commitment to supporting Indigenous communities through cultural education and storytelling. Kaysec also shared that she will use her platform to promote the Arya Takes a Swim project and work with children to encourage learning of the Arawak language.
At the end of the session, attendees listened to the Arawak 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 Keanu Thomas Delivering Remarks During the Session
Attendees Interacting with the EMC Foundation Corner
Attendees Interacting with the Turtle Conservation Exhibition
Attendees Completing Turtle-Themed Activity Sheets
Attendees Engaging with Turtle-Themed Photo Props
Attendees Engaging 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.