On June 5, 2026, in observance of World Environment Day, the EMC Foundation team conducted an environmental awareness session with students of Plaisance Primary School. The activity engaged approximately 50 students from Grades 4 to 6 and one teacher, providing an opportunity to celebrate the global observance while encouraging students to develop a greater appreciation for the environment and enhance their role in protecting it.
World Environment Day is observed annually on June 5 and serves as a global platform for raising awareness and promoting action on environmental issues. This year’s observance provided an opportunity for students to learn about some of the challenges facing the environment, explore practical solutions, and understand how everyday actions can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.
The session began with an energetic icebreaker, Planet Earth Says, facilitated by Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, and Sasha Singh, Intern. The activity created a welcoming atmosphere and encouraged students to interact with the facilitators while learning about animals, nature, and the environment. Their enthusiastic participation helped set the tone for the rest of the session.
Following the icebreaker, students took part in an interactive presentation on World Environment Day and its importance. Abigail introduced the theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” and discussed the many ways in which the environment supports life by providing clean air, water, food, and habitats for wildlife. Students also learned about the purpose of World Environment Day and how people around the world mark the occasion through activities such as tree planting, recycling initiatives, community clean-ups, wildlife conservation efforts, and environmental education programmes.
Students actively contributed to discussions on environmental issues affecting Guyana and the wider world. They identified concerns such as littering, pollution, deforestation, climate change, and habitat loss, demonstrating an awareness of challenges facing both their communities and natural ecosystems. Through guided discussions and interactive questioning, they explored the impacts of these issues on people and wildlife and considered ways in which they could help address them.
The EMC Foundation team also shared information about the Foundation’s Environmental Clubs, environmental education programmes, biodiversity monitoring initiatives, and E-STEM activities. The presentation highlighted the use of technologies such as drones, camera traps, environmental monitoring equipment, and scientific applications in conservation and research. Many students were particularly interested in learning how these tools are used to monitor wildlife and better understand ecosystems.
An interactive discussion on environmental stewardship encouraged students to think about the actions they can take to care for the environment. They shared a variety of ideas, including reducing littering, recycling, conserving water, saving energy, planting trees, respecting wildlife, and encouraging others to adopt environmentally responsible practices. Their responses reflected a clear understanding that protecting the environment is a collective responsibility and that young people can make meaningful contributions.
The session concluded with a fun and engaging activity titled Stand Up If You Care. Students responded to a series of environmental statements and scenarios that encouraged them to reflect on responsible environmental behaviours while reinforcing the key messages discussed throughout the session. The activity generated enthusiastic participation and provided an enjoyable way to gauge students’ understanding of environmental issues. The EMC Foundation E-STEM Programme 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 “Stand Up If You Care” Activity
Club Members Listening and Engaging in Discussions During the Session
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.