Activity

The EMC Foundation continues to collaborate with sixty environmental clubs in Guyana. These are inclusive of Queen’s College, The Bishop’s High School, St. Stanislaus College, St. Rose’s High, Marian Academy Primary and Secondary, School of the Nations Primary and Secondary, Saxacalli Primary, De Hoop Primary, Little Biaboo Primary, St. Cuthbert’s Primary and Secondary, Moraikobai Primary, Santa Aratak Primary, Wakapau Secondary, Warapoka Primary and Secondary, Georgetown International Academy Primary and Secondary, Open Doors Centre, Tapakuma Lake Primary, Rosignol Primary, Mashabo Primary, La Bonne Intention Secondary, Lake Mainstay Primary and Secondary, Beterverwagting Primary and Secondary, Plaisance Primary and Secondary, Tutorial High, Chateau Margot Primary, Abram Zuil Secondary, Lake Capoey Primary, Nismes Secondary, Good Hope Secondary, Annandale Secondary, Lusignan Primary, North Georgetown Secondary, Mon Repos Primary, Tuschen Secondary, Westminster Secondary, Karamat Primary, J.C. Chandisingh Secondary, Soesdyke Secondary, Winfer Gardens Primary, Santa Rosa Primary and Secondary, Waramuri Primary and Secondary, Manawarin Primary, Kamwatta Primary and Secondary, Wallaba Primary, Huis’T Dieren Primary, Fisher Primary, Taymouth Manor Primary, Barabina Primary and Hosororo Primary.

In June 2026, the Foundation expanded its reach through partnerships with two additional clubs, further advancing our mission to empower youth through environmental science and technology education in Guyana. These are Barabina Primary and Hosororo Primary.

For the Primary ‘Ecosystems’ Work Plan for June 2026, the topics completed were Food Chains, Camera Traps, and Drones. Club members learned about food chains, including the roles of producers, primary, secondary, and tertiary consumers, and how energy flows through ecosystems. They created food chain models, participated in word searches, watched educational videos, and engaged in discussions to strengthen their understanding of ecological relationships. Club members were also introduced to camera traps and drones as tools used in environmental monitoring. Through videos and interactive activities, they explored how these technologies assist with wildlife observation, research, and ecosystem studies.

For the Primary ‘Responsible Waste Management’ Work Plan for June 2026, the topics completed were Recycling, Reducing and Waste Audits. Club members learned about the importance of recycling, proper waste separation, and how reusing materials can help reduce environmental impacts. They participated in practical activities such as identifying recyclable items, sorting waste, and creating useful products from recyclable materials. Additionally, club members explored ways to reduce waste by conserving resources, limiting disposable items, and adopting environmentally friendly practices at school and home. Waste audits were conducted to help club members identify and record the types of waste generated within their schools and understand ways to improve waste management.

For the Secondary ‘Ecosystem’ Work Plan for June 2026, the topics completed were Plant Adaptations and Traditional Uses of Plants, Animal Identification, Camera Traps, and Animal Adaptations and IUCN. Club members explored how plants and animals adapt to survive in different environments and learned about the importance of biodiversity conservation. Activities included schoolyard plant surveys, tree planting, insect collection and identification, educational videos, discussions, and exploring the IUCN Red List categories. These activities helped club members develop a greater appreciation for local species and the need for conservation efforts.

For the Secondary ‘Responsible Waste Management’ Work Plan for June 2026, the topics completed were Waste Disposal, Waste Audits, and Drones and GPS. Club members participated in practical waste sorting and disposal activities, conducted waste audits at home and school, and reflected on ways to reduce waste through reuse, recycling, and composting. They were also introduced to drones and GPS technology and explored how these tools are used for environmental monitoring, mapping, and conservation activities.

Throughout the month, club members participated in hands-on activities, presentations, discussions, videos, surveys, and creative projects that encouraged teamwork, critical thinking, and environmental awareness. A total of 150 students participated in Environmental Club activities during June 2026. Through these experiences, club members strengthened their understanding of ecosystems, waste management, and sustainable practices while developing skills to become more environmentally responsible within their schools and communities.

The EMC Foundation remains committed to empowering youth through environmental education, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and passion to experience, connect, and act for a sustainable Guyana.

The EMC Foundation’s E-STEM Program is being implemented with the support of the ExxonMobil Foundation.

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

The EMC Foundation continues to collaborate with fifty-eight environmental clubs in Guyana. These are inclusive of Queen’s College, The Bishop’s High School, St. Stanislaus College, St. Rose’s High, Marian Academy Primary and Secondary, School of the Nations Primary and Secondary, Saxacalli Primary, De Hoop Primary, Little Biaboo Primary, St. Cuthbert’s Primary and Secondary, Moraikobai Primary, Santa Aratak Primary, Wakapau Secondary, Warapoka Primary and Secondary, Georgetown International Academy Primary and Secondary, Open Doors Centre, Tapakuma Lake Primary, Rosignol Primary, Mashabo Primary, La Bonne Intention Secondary, Lake Mainstay Primary and Secondary, Beterverwagting Primary and Secondary, Plaisance Primary and Secondary, Tutorial High School, Chateau Margot Primary, Abram Zuil Secondary, Lake Capoey Primary, Nismes Secondary, Good Hope Secondary, Annandale Secondary, Lusignan Primary, North Georgetown Secondary, Mon Repos Primary, Tuschen Secondary, Westminster Secondary, Karamat Primary, J.C. Chandisingh Secondary, Soesdyke Secondary, Winfer Gardens Primary, Santa Rosa Primary and Secondary, Waramuri Primary and Secondary, Manawarin Primary, Kamwatta Primary and Secondary, Wallaba Primary, Huis’T Dieren Primary, Fisher Primary and Taymouth Manor Primary.

In May 2026, the Foundation expanded its reach through partnerships with three additional clubs, further advancing our mission to empower youth through environmental science and technology education in Guyana. These are Huis’T Dieren Primary, Fisher Primary and Taymouth Manor Primary.

For the Primary ‘Ecosystems’ Work Plan for May 2026, the topics completed were Ecosystem and Food Chains. Club members learned about the various types of ecosystems and how plants, animals, and other organisms interact with one another and depend on their surroundings for survival. Additionally, club members learned about food chains, including the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers, and how energy flows through an ecosystem. For the Primary ‘Energy Efficiency’ Work Plan for May 2026, the topic completed was Sources of Energy. Club members learned about the different sources of energy used to power homes, schools, and communities. They explored the differences between renewable and non-renewable energy sources.

For the Secondary ‘Ecosystem’ Work Plan for May 2026, the topic completed was Plant Adaptation and Traditional Uses. The club members learned about the adaptations that help plants survive in different environments and explored how various plants are traditionally used by local and Indigenous communities for several purposes. For the Secondary ‘Responsible Waste Management’ Work Plan, the topics completed were Pollution Prevention Techniques, Air, Water and Noise Testing, and Composting. Club members learned about practical ways to reduce. They were introduced to basic monitoring techniques for assessing air, water, and noise quality in their surroundings, helping them understand indicators of environmental health. Additionally, club members explored composting as a sustainable method of waste management.

Throughout the program, club members created posters, drawings, and presentations, watched educational videos, and actively participated in class discussions. They also explored their environment through nature walks and produced creative projects such as dioramas, which helped reinforce their understanding of the topics while encouraging observation and hands-on learning.

More than 100 club members participated in the program during the month, participating in presentations, discussions, and creative projects that promoted curiosity, critical thinking, and a practical understanding of environmental science. Through these activities, they developed a stronger awareness of environmental challenges and learned ways to help prevent and reduce these threats.

The EMC Foundation remains committed to empowering youth through environmental education, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and passion to experience, connect, and act for a sustainable Guyana.

The EMC Foundation’s E-STEM Program is being implemented with the support of the ExxonMobil Foundation.

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

On May 16, 2026, the EMC Foundation conducted an initiation visit to the Lake Mainstay Youth Environmental Club. The session, attended by 3 members, including club members from Forms 2 to 4, participated in the activity. The visit served to formally introduce the EMC Foundation team to the club, highlight the importance of Environmental Clubs, and engage students in hands-on learning aligned with the Ecosystems and Biodiversity Conservation Work Plan.

The session began with an introduction to environmental devices facilitated by Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator, alongside Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, Sasha Singh, Intern and Trevor Emmanuel, Field Assistant and Driver.

Sarah introduced the club members to camera traps, explaining their different parts, uses, and applications in wildlife monitoring. The club members were then challenged to independently set up their own camera traps, each selecting a target species they hoped to capture.

In addition, the club members were introduced to Global Positioning System (GPS) devices and guided on how to use them to record locations accurately. As part of the practical exercise, they marked and documented the coordinates of the camera-trap sites they deployed, reinforcing real-world field-monitoring skills.

The club members also learned about binoculars, explaining their purpose and how they are used in environmental monitoring, particularly for observing wildlife such as birds. The members were then given the opportunity to use the binoculars themselves to scan the surroundings of Lake Mainstay. The club members also used apps like Merlin, eBird and iNaturalist to identify bird species.

The members also showed keen interest in learning about the environment through nature walks, tours, scavenger hunts and learning to operate drones and camera traps. They were also shown camera trap videos of local wildlife collected by the EMC Group.

The club members 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 continue Environmental Club activities and participate in the fun and exciting exercises outlined in the work plans.

The EMC Foundation E-STEM Program is supported by the ExxonMobil Foundation.

Club Members Deploying their Camera Traps

Club Members Using the GPS Device

Club Members Using Binoculars

Club Members Using Environmental Apps

Club Members Engaging with the EMC Foundation Publications

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.

On November 19, 2025, the EMC Foundation, with support from the ExxonMobil Foundation, conducted an initiation visit to the School of the Nations Primary School to engage with the newly formed Environmental Club. The session, which was attended by approximately 60 students from Grades 2, 3, and 4, along with an Environmental Club Coordinator, provided the opportunity for the EMC Foundation team to introduce the EMC Foundation, discuss exciting plans for upcoming activities, and outline the work plan for the first term.

The session began with a lively “Planet Earth Says” activity, facilitated by Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, alongside Malisa Nokta, Director of the EMC Foundation; Josiah Williams, Communications Officer; and Aletha Jewanram, Administrative Assistant. This interactive icebreaker fostered a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere, allowing students to connect with the EMC Foundation team while learning about animals and the environment and encouraging active participation.

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 programs and outreach activities.

One of the highlights from the visit was that all 50+ students actively participated in the “Eco-Bingo” and “Eco-Wordsearch” activities and listened intently to the presentation, while asking and answering questions about mangroves, ecosystems and the overall environment.

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 participating in future activities. By the end of the session, students were excited and ready to begin Environmental Club activities, and some additional students also requested to sign up for the environmental club.

Ms. Abigail Gobin Leading the Environmental Club Initiation Visit

Environmental Club Members engaging in the “Planet Earth Says” Activity

Environmental Club Members engaging in the “Eco-Bingo” and “Eco-Wordsearch” Activity

Club Members Interacting with the EMC Foundation Members

Club Members Interacting with EMC Foundation publications

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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.

On October 22, 2025, the EMC Foundation, with support from the ExxonMobil Foundation, conducted an initiation visit to the Chateau Margot Primary School to engage with the newly formed Environmental Club. The session, which was attended by 19 students from Grades 5 and 6 and two teachers, provided the opportunity for the EMC Foundation team to introduce the EMC Foundation, discuss exciting plans for upcoming activities, and outline the work plan for the first term.

The session began with a lively “Eco-Bingo” game, which was facilitated by Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, alongside Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator; Josiah Williams, Communications Officer; and Aletha Jewanram, Administrative Assistant. This interactive icebreaker fostered a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere, allowing students to connect with each other and the EMC Foundation team while encouraging active participation from the outset.

Abigail provided an engaging overview of the EMC Foundation’s mission, initiatives, 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 that utilise camera traps to monitor wildlife in the Mahaica Watershed and Saxacalli Rainforest. They were also curious about the Foundation’s various tours, mangrove forests, and the publications that the EMC Foundation has produced.

A significant highlight of the session was that most of the members of the Environmental Club were able to identify the majority of the fauna captured on the EMC Foundation’s camera traps, naming both local and common names of animals, such as the Scarlet Ibis as “Curry Curry” and the Giant River Otter as “Water dog.”

The members also completed an “Eco-Word Search” activity as well as a question-and-answer exercise about the environment and the work of the EMC Foundation, for which they were able to win exciting prizes.

Students eagerly reviewed the EMC Foundation publications, asking questions and showing enthusiasm for the information and images, demonstrating a genuine interest in learning and participating in future activities. By the end of the session, students were excited and ready to begin Environmental Club activities. Overall, the session was successful in achieving its objectives, which were to spark interest in the E-STEM program and motivate active participation by students.

These activities are being implemented by the EMC Foundation through its ongoing E-STEM Program, with support from the ExxonMobil Foundation. The program aims to inspire environmental stewardship among young learners by combining classroom lessons with hands-on activities that promote conservation awareness, responsible environmental practices, and a deeper understanding of Guyana’s rich biodiversity.

Ms. Abigail Gobin Leading the Environmental Club Initiation Visit

Environmental Club Members Engaging in the “Eco-Bingo” and “Eco-Word Search” Activities

Club Members Interacting with the EMC Foundation Members

Club Members Interacting with EMC Foundation Publications

Environmental Club Members Interacting with the EMC Foundation Selfie Frame

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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.

On October 15, 2025, the EMC Foundation, with support from the ExxonMobil Foundation, conducted an initiation visit to the Plaisance Primary School to engage with the newly formed Environmental Club. The session, which was attended by 15 students from Grades 5 and 6 and the Environmental Club Coordinator, provided the opportunity for the EMC Foundation team to introduce the EMC Foundation, discuss exciting plans for upcoming activities, and outline the work plan for the first term.

The session began with a lively “Eco-Bingo” game which was facilitated by Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, alongside Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator; Josiah Williams, Communications Officer; and Aletha Jewanram, Administrative Assistant. This interactive icebreaker fostered a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere, allowing students to connect with each other and the EMC Foundation team while encouraging active participation from the outset.

Abigail provided an engaging overview of the EMC Foundation’s mission, initiatives, 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 that utilise camera traps to monitor wildlife in the Mahaica Watershed and Saxacalli Rainforest. They were also curious about the Foundation’s various tours and the publications that the EMC Foundation has produced.

A significant highlight of the session was that all the members of the Environmental Club had previous knowledge of the EMC Foundation and had previously read the “Arya Takes a Swim” publication, and were excited to read the Foundation’s latest publication, “Ollie the Otter’s River Adventures.”

The members also completed an “Eco-Word Search” activity as well as a question and answer exercise about the environment and the work of the EMC Foundation for which they able to win exciting prizes.

Students eagerly reviewed the EMC Foundation publications, asking questions and showing enthusiasm for the information and images, demonstrating a genuine interest in learning and participating in future activities. By the end of the session students were excited and ready to begin Environmental Club activities. Overall the session was successful in achieving its objectives which were to spark interest in the E-STEM program and motivate active participation by students.

Ms. Abigail Gobin Leading the Environmental Club Initiation Visit

Environmental Club Members engaging in the “Eco-Bingo” and “Eco-Word Search” Activities

Club Members Interacting with the EMC Foundation Members

Club Members Interacting with EMC Foundation publications

Club Members Interacting with the EMC Foundation Selfie Frame

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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.

On October 10, 2025, the EMC Foundation, with support from the ExxonMobil Foundation, visited the Beterverwagting Secondary School to engage with the newly formed Environmental Club. The session, which was attended by 20 students from Grades 10 and 11 and two teachers along with the Club Coordinator provided the opportunity for the EMC Foundation team to introduce the EMC Foundation, highlighting the importance of Environmental Clubs, and outlining the work plan for the first term.

The session began with a lively “Eco-Bingo” game which was facilitated by Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, alongside Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator, Josiah Williams, Communications Officer, and Aletha Jewanram, Administrative Officer. This interactive icebreaker fostered a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere, allowing students to connect with each other and the EMC Foundation team while encouraging active participation from the outset. The students also participated in a “Eco-Word Search” game which gauged their attention and introduced them to key concepts that are associated with the environment and conservation.

Abigail provided an engaging overview of the EMC Foundation’s mission, initiatives, and past activities, capturing the students’ attention and sparking curiosity about environment and conservation. The club members were particularly interested in learning about career opportunities in the STEM field, the fauna found in the Mahaica Wetlands, and the EMC Foundation’s camera traps and biodiversity monitoring programs.

Students eagerly reviewed the EMC Foundation publications, asking questions and showing enthusiasm for the information and images, demonstrating a genuine interest in learning and participating in future activities. By the end of the session, students were excited and ready to begin the Environmental Club activities. Overall the session was successful in achieving its objectives which were to spark interest in the E-STEM program and motivate active participation by students.

Ms. Abigail Gobin Leading the Environmental Club Initiation Visit

Club Members engaging in the “Eco-Bingo” and “Eco-Word Search” Activities

Club Members Interacting with EMC Foundation Members

Club Members Interacting with EMC Foundation publications

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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.

On October 1, 2025, the EMC Foundation, with support from the ExxonMobil Foundation, visited La Bonne Intention (LBI) Secondary School to engage with the newly formed Environmental Club, meeting both the Club Coordinator and enthusiastic student members. The session welcomed 19 students from Forms 1 to 4, alongside three teachers, with the goal of introducing the EMC Foundation, highlighting the importance of Environmental Clubs, and outlining the work plan for the first term.

The session began with a lively “Eco-Bingo” game, facilitated by Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator, alongside Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, and Josiah Williams, Communications Officer. This interactive icebreaker fostered a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere, allowing students to connect with each other and the EMC Foundation team while encouraging active participation from the outset.

Sarah provided an engaging overview of the EMC Foundation’s mission, initiatives, and past activities, capturing the students’ attention and sparking curiosity about environmental conservation. The club members were particularly interested in learning about marine turtles, mangroves, and the Foundation’s various field tours. To deepen their engagement, the team presented Turtle Telemetry Videos, showcasing how marine turtles are tagged and protected, which fascinated the students and inspired them to consider how they can actively contribute to protecting Guyana’s biodiversity.

Students eagerly reviewed the EMC Foundation publications, asking questions and showing enthusiasm for the information and images, demonstrating a genuine interest in learning and participating in future activities. By the end of the session, students were excited and ready to begin Environmental Club activities, reflecting the success of the session in achieving its objectives, which were to spark interest in the E-STEM program and motivate active environmental participation.

Ms. Sarah Singh Leading the Environmental Club Initiation Visit

Environmental Club Members engaging in our “Eco-Bingo” Activity

Club Members Interacting with EMC Foundation Members

Club Members Interacting with EMC Foundation publications

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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.

The EMC Foundation, through its E-STEM Program, continues to strengthen environmental education and awareness by collaborating with twenty-seven environmental clubs across Guyana. The E-STEM Program is now being supported by the ExxonMobil Foundation. These include Queen’s College, The Bishop’s High School, St. Stanislaus College, St. Rose’s High, Marian Academy Primary and Secondary, School of the Nations Primary and Secondary, Saxacalli Primary, De Hoop Primary, Little Biaboo Primary, St. Cuthbert’s Primary and Secondary, Moraikobai Primary, Santa Aratak Primary, Wakapau Secondary, Warapoka Primary and Secondary, Georgetown International Academy Primary and Secondary, Tapakuma Lake Primary, Lake Mainstay Primary and Secondary,  Mashabo Primary School, Rosignol Primary School, La Bonne Intention Secondary, and Open Doors School.

During September 2025, the Foundation expanded its reach by partnering with four additional clubs. These are La Bonne Intention Secondary School, Rosignol Primary School, Mashabo Primary School, and Lake Mainstay Primary and Secondary Schools, furthering its mission to empower youth through environmental science and technology education.

For the Primary ‘Ecosystems’ Work Plan, students explored Ecosystems, Food Chains, and Animal Adaptations, learning about the importance of conservation, how energy flows through food chains, and how animals adapt to their habitats. Under the ‘Responsible Waste Management’ theme, students studied Air Quality Monitoring and Recycling, discovering ways to reuse materials and monitor pollution levels. Activities included poster and diorama creation, class discussions, and hands-on demonstrations that encouraged creativity and environmental responsibility.

At the Secondary level, the focus was on Ecosystem Components and Interactions, Ecosystem Functions and Nutrient Cycles, and Types of Ecosystems. Club members examined how biotic and abiotic factors interact, studied nutrient cycles like carbon and nitrogen, and identified terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Sessions featured interactive videos, group discussions, and poster-making to reinforce learning.

Throughout the month, over 180 students participated in the program, engaging in presentations, discussions, and creative projects that fostered both curiosity and practical understanding of the environment. These experiences not only deepened students’ scientific understanding but also inspired them to think critically about their role in protecting the planet. Students demonstrated awareness of key issues such as pollution prevention, composting, and water quality, while discussing ways they could contribute to a cleaner, greener future within their schools and communities.

The EMC Foundation remains committed to empowering youth through environmental education, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and passion to experience, connect, and act for a sustainable Guyana.

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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

On August 29, 2025, the EMC Foundation proudly hosted our fifth Community Listening Session for the Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook project in the scenic Indigenous Village of Wakapoa, located in Region 2.

This exciting engagement brought together residents of all ages to enjoy Arya Takes a Swim in an immersive and meaningful way. The attendees eagerly listened to both the English and Arawak versions of the story, viewed exclusive behind-the-scenes footage on the making of the audiobook, and watched a special video snippet of the Lokono-language version.

The gathering was warmly embraced by the community and attended by the Acting Head teacher of the Primary School, Ms. Luraine Cornelius, teachers, students, community service officers, village elders and other residents.

The response was enthusiastic and heartfelt, with a few attendees expressing their excitement at hearing the Arawak language in such a creative, modern presentation. The community was also filled with pride upon seeing one of their residents, Ms. Samantha Thomas, playing a pivotal role in the development of the audio series and audiobook. The session also helped raise local awareness about sea turtle conservation and the importance of safeguarding Guyana’s diverse wildlife and habitats.

Ms. Sarah Singh, EMC Foundation’s Programme 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.

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.”

Acting Headmistress of the Wakapoa Primary School, Ms. Luraine Cornelius, also delivered brief remarks during the session. She extended her gratitude to the EMC Foundation for the enjoyable listening event and stressed the importance of learning one’s Native language along with staying informed on turtle conservation. “We have some EMC Foundation publications in our library which people can read and some are about Shell Beach, which is not too far from here. It was a good and cheerful session, and we got to learn about the Arawak Language and turtles.”

At the end of the session, attendees enjoyed a wonderful Turtle Conservation Exhibition, an EMC Foundation Corner which displayed key publications, and engaging turtle-themed children’s activities which included word search, crossword 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

Ms. Luraine Cornelius Delivering Remarks During the Session

Attendees Interacting with the Turtle Conservation Exhibition

Attendees Interacting with the EMC Foundation Corner

Attendees Completing Turtle-Themed Activity Sheets

Attendees Engaging with the Turtle Telemetry Selfie Frame

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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.