News

On February 20, 2026, the EMC Foundation proudly participated in the Youth Forum of the 2026 Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, engaging hundreds of young environmental enthusiasts and showcasing the organisation’s growing environmental awareness initiatives.

The forum provided a meaningful platform to connect with students, professionals, and ExxonMobil Guyana Community Partners, inspiring conversations about sustainability and encouraging participants to become active stewards of the environment and champions of climate-smart decision-making. Through interactive discussions, the EMC Foundation team answered questions about environmental monitoring technologies such as drones, GPS devices, and camera traps, highlighting how innovation supports modern conservation efforts.

Participants showed keen interest in the Foundation’s Biodiversity Monitoring Programme in the Mahaica Watershed and at the Saxacalli Rainforest Centre, where advanced tools are used to gather data and strengthen research that informs conservation strategies. These initiatives demonstrate how technology and environmental stewardship work together to protect ecosystems and promote evidence-based decision-making.

A key highlight of the event was the promotion of the Foundation’s E-STEM Programme, which integrates environmental conservation with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. By combining hands-on learning with environmental awareness, the programme equips young Guyanese with practical skills that support sustainable development and responsible resource management, preparing the next generation to solve environmental challenges with creativity and innovation.

The Foundation also spotlighted its Giant River Otter Conservation in the Mahaica River Programme, an initiative dedicated to protecting the giant river otter and its habitats while safeguarding Guyana’s forests and freshwater ecosystems. This programme underscores the importance of biodiversity and the interconnectedness of healthy ecosystems and community well-being.

Another major attraction was the debut of the EMC Foundation Information Tree, a vibrant and interactive display showcasing the organisation’s environmental awareness publications. The Information Tree encouraged visitors to engage with the educational materials, which will soon be displayed in schools across Guyana, expanding environmental knowledge and inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders.

The booth also featured interactive games and educational activities designed to engage participants of all ages. Through learning and play, visitors deepened their understanding of environmental issues and practical solutions while having the chance to win eco-friendly prizes, including EMC Foundation publications, biodiversity-themed stickers, keyrings, and audio resources such as the Arya Takes a Swim audiobook. These activities ensured participants left with memorable experiences and valuable insights into the importance of environmental responsibility.

This engagement reflects the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to empowering communities, advancing environmental education, and driving meaningful action toward a sustainable future. The EMC Foundation extends heartfelt appreciation to ExxonMobil Guyana for the invitation and to the hundreds of youths who enthusiastically participated, demonstrating a shared passion for environmental stewardship and positive change.

Visitors Interacting with the EMC Foundation Information Tree and Publications

Visitors Interacting with the EMC Foundation’s Drones and Camera Traps

Visitors Engaging with the EMC Foundation Interactive Games and Prizes

EMC Foundation Team Members Interacting with Visitors at the Booth

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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 February 12, 2026, the EMC Foundation conducted an initiation visit to Mon Repos Primary School to engage with the newly formed Environmental Club. The session, attended by approximately 70 students from Forms 1-3 and 3 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, “Eco-Warriors: Last Eco- Agent Standing,” facilitated by Josiah Williams, Communications Officer, alongside Abigail Gobin and Siddi Nandkishore, both Projects Assistants. This interactive icebreaker fostered a fun and welcoming atmosphere, allowing students to connect with the EMC Foundation team while highlighting simple actions that can be taken to conserve and protect the environment.

Josiah 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.

The club members also actively participated in the “Eco-Wordsearch” activity, which taught them problem-solving skills as well as common phrases associated with Guyana’s environment. The students listened intently to the presentation, while asking and answering questions about mangroves, ecosystems and the overall environment.

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

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 work plans.

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

Mr. Josiah Williams Facilitating the Session

Club Members Engaging in the “Eco-Warriors: Last Eco- Agent Standing” Activity

Club Members Engaging in the “Eco-Wordsearch” 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

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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 forty environmental clubs across Guyana. These include Queen’s College, The Bishop’s High School, St. Stanislaus College, St. Rose’s High School, Marian Academy Primary and Secondary, School of the Nations Primary and Secondary, Saxacalli Primary, De Hoop Primary, Little Biaboo Primary, St. Cuthbert’s Mission Primary and Secondary, Moraikobai Primary, Santa Aratak Primary, Wakapau Secondary, Warapoka Primary and Secondary, Georgetown International Academy Primary and Secondary, Open Doors Centre, Tapakuma Primary School, Rosignol Primary, Mashabo Primary, La Bonne Intention Secondary, Lake Mainstay Primary and Secondary, Annandale Secondary, Good Hope Secondary, Beterverwagting Primary and Secondary, Plaisance Primary and Secondary, Lusignan Primary, Tutorial High School, Chateau Margot Primary, Abram Zuil Secondary, Tuschen Secondary, Nismes Secondary, and Lake Capoey Primary.

In January 2026, the Foundation expanded its reach through partnerships with four additional clubs, Nismes Secondary School, Good Hope Secondary, Annandale Secondary and Lusignan Primary Schools, further advancing our mission to empower youth through environmental science and technology education. An additional ten clubs also expressed interest in joining the E-STEM Program.

For the Primary Ecosystems Work Plan in January 2026, the topics completed were Maps and Compasses and Animal Adaptations, during which the club members learned how to read maps and use compasses for navigation, as well as how animals survive in their habitats through structural, behavioural, and physiological changes. For the Secondary Ecosystems Work Plan, the topics that were completed include Ecosystem Components and Interactions, Ecosystem Functions and Nutrient Cycles, Types of Ecosystems, Biodiversity, and Interdependence and Relationships.

For the Primary Responsible Waste Management Work Plan, the completed topics were Composting, Pollution, Air Quality Monitoring, and Waste Audits. Club members took part in a range of engaging, hands-on activities focused on environmental awareness and action. These included learning about composting and how to use green and brown materials effectively, exploring the main types of pollution and ways to prevent them, conducting air quality monitoring using meters to measure key indicators such as PM2.5 and PM10, and completing a home-based waste audit to track, categorise, and analyse daily waste patterns for reporting and discussion.

For the Secondary Energy Efficiency Waste Management Work Plan, one of the clubs completed a session on Sources of Energy. They were introduced to the different sources of energy and learned to differentiate between renewable and non-renewable resources. Through discussions and debates, they compared advantages and disadvantages and explored which resources are most sustainable for the future.

Throughout the program, students created drawings, posters, and dioramas, viewed educational videos and presentations, and actively participated in class discussions. Field trips allowed them to conduct hands-on plant and animal identification exercises and further to examine plant and animal adaptations within natural environments.

Over 50 students participated in the program during the month, engaging in presentations, discussions, and creative projects that fostered curiosity, critical thinking, and practical understanding of environmental science. These experiences strengthened students’ awareness of key issues such as pollution prevention, composting, and water quality, while encouraging them to 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.

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

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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 January 29, 2026, the EMC Foundation conducted an initiation visit to North Georgetown Secondary School to engage with the newly formed Environmental Club. The session, attended by approximately 90 students from Forms 1-3 and 3 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, “Eco-Warriors: Last Eco- Agent Standing,” facilitated by Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, alongside Josiah Williams, Communications Officer, Siddi Nandkishore, Projects Assistant, and Aletha Jewanram, Administrative Officer. This interactive icebreaker fostered a fun and welcoming atmosphere, allowing students to connect with the EMC Foundation team while highlighting 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 programs 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 that they connected and understood the materials presented by the EMC Foundation team.

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

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 work plans.

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

Ms. Abigail Gobin Facilitating the Session

Club Members Engaging in the “Eco-Warriors: Last Eco- Agent Standing” Activity

Club Members Engaging in the “Eco-Quiz for Kids” Activity

Club Members Interacting with the EMC Foundation Team

Club Members Viewing Videos on Activities Implemented by the EMC Group

Club Members Viewing Videos on Activities Implemented by the EMC Group

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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 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

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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 January 15, 2025, the EMC Foundation conducted an initiation visit to Annandale Secondary School on the East Coast of Demerara to engage with the newly formed Environmental Club. The session, attended by approximately 26 students from Forms 1 to 5, along with an Environmental Club Coordinator and a teacher, 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 “Eco-Bingo” activity, facilitated by Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, alongside Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator, and Josiah Williams, Communications Officer. This interactive icebreaker fostered a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere, allowing students to connect with the EMC Foundation team while learning about 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.

The club members also actively participated in the “Eco-Wordsearch” activity, which taught them problem-solving skills as well as common phrases associated with Guyana’s environment. Additionally, the students participated in a question-and-answer quiz based on the EMC Foundation’s Secondary Environmental Quiz Handbook, where they learned about Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy and phrases associated with combating climate change.  

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 “Eco-Bingo” and “Eco-Wordsearch” Activities

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

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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 January 9, 2025 the EMC Foundation conducted an initiation visit to Nismes Secondary School on the West Bank of Demerara, Region 3, to engage with the newly formed Environmental Club. The session, which was attended by approximately 17 students from Grade 7, 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 icebreaker activity, our “Eco-Bingo” activity, 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 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.

The club members also actively participated in the “Eco-Wordsearch” activity, which taught them problem-solving skills as well as common phrases associated with Guyana’s environment. Additionally, the students participated in the EMC Foundation’s “Eco-Charades” activity, where they learned about simple actions that can be taken to conserve the environment in a fun and interactive way.

The members also showed keen interest in artistic activities and exploring and learning about the environment through nature walks, tours and scavenger hunts. Some members also asked questions about the technology used to maintain a healthy environment, such as drones, camera traps, GPS devices, and cameras, as well as learning to use these tools.

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. They also requested to view videos developed by the EMC Group, such as camera trap videos and a video on turtle telemetry. 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 “Eco-Bingo” and “Eco-Wordsearch” Activities

Club Members Engaging in the “Eco-Charades” 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

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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 January 7, 2025, the EMC Foundation conducted an initiation visit to the Good Hope Secondary School to engage with the newly formed Environmental Club. The session, which was attended by approximately 35 students from Forms 1 to 5, along with an Environmental Club Coordinator 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 icebreaker activity, our “Eco-Bingo” activity, facilitated by Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, alongside 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. They also actively participated in the “Eco-Wordsearch” activity.

The members also showed keen interest in exploring and learning about the environment through nature walks, tours and scavenger hunts. Some members also asked questions about the technology used to maintain a healthy environment, such as drones, camera traps, GPS devices, and cameras, as well as learning to use these tools. Additionally, members inquired about career options in the environmental and STEM fields after the interactions with the EMC Foundation team.

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. They also requested to view videos developed by the EMC Group, such as camera trap videos and a video on turtle telemetry. 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 Environmental Club Initiation Visit

Club Members Engaging in the “Eco-Bingo” and “Eco-Wordsearch” Activities

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

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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, in collaboration with Mahaica River Tours, hosted a special Farewell Celebration in honour of the British High Commissioner to Guyana, Her Excellency Jane Miller. The event celebrated her outstanding service and commitment to Guyana and marked a significant personal milestone, her twenty-fifth journey along the Mahaica River.

The Farewell Celebration was held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the Mahaica River Tours venue in Little Biaboo. The day beautifully blended nature, tourism, and celebration, reflecting a shared respect for Guyana’s people, wildlife, and waterways. Over the course of her many visits, the Mahaica region has become a deeply cherished landscape for High Commissioner Miller, shaped by years of discovery and meaningful connection.

As the attendees travelled along the Mahaica River, more than five troops of red howler monkeys were observed alongside a stunning array of vibrant birdlife. In a rare and memorable sighting, an anaconda, one of the world’s largest and heaviest snake also made an appearance, serving as a powerful reminder of the region’s extraordinary biodiversity.

Following the river excursion, the farewell celebrations continued at the Mahaica River Tours venue, where High Commissioner Miller was presented with a collection of locally crafted gifts. These included a hand-painted dress showcasing iconic Mahaica species, a custom animal-themed coaster set, jaguar-beaded earrings, and autographed EMC Foundation publications highlighting the Mahaica region.

Founder and Director of the EMC Foundation, Mr. Shyam Nokta, reflected on High Commissioner Miller’s tenure in Guyana, commending her deep appreciation for the country’s natural and cultural heritage, her genuine interest in community life, conservation, and education, and her hands-on approach to engaging with people and projects across the nation.

The EMC Foundation and the British High Commissioner in Guyana have enjoyed a long and productive partnership, resulting in several innovative projects. Through the UK Government’s Blue Social Challenge Fund Pilot, support was provided for The Visual Chronicles of the Mahaica Wetlands and Mangroves coffee table book and video series. The partnership also transformed the EMC Group’s children’s book, Arya Takes a Swim, into an audio series and audiobook in both English and Arawak.

In her brief remarks, High Commissioner Miller shared how much she had enjoyed her time in Guyana and the meaningful connections she formed with its people, communities, culture, heritage, and natural environment, noting that Guyana would always remain close to her heart.

As the Farewell Celebrations concluded, the EMC Foundation extended its heartfelt best wishes to High Commissioner Miller in her future endeavours, thanking her for the support, friendship, and inspiration she has shared with the Foundation and the wider Guyanese community. Her legacy along the Mahaica River and across Guyana will continue to inspire all to Experience, Connect, and Act for the environment.

Attendees Arriving at Little Biaboo for the Farewell Celebrations

Attendees Departing for the Tour of the Mahaica River

Attendees During the Mahaica River Tour

Biodiversity Observed During the Mahaica River Tour. Photo Credits: Jane Miller

Attendees During the Formal Program of the Farewell Celebrations

High Commissioner Miller Receiving Tokens of Appreciation from the EMC Foundation and Other Attendees

British High Commissioner, HE Jane Miller sharing remarks

Founder and Director of the EMC Foundation, Mr. Shyam Nokta Providing Brief Remarks

EMC Foundation Program Coordinator, Sarah Singh leading the activity

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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 thirty-six environmental clubs across Guyana. These include Queen’s College, The Bishop’s High School, St. Stanislaus College, St. Rose’s High School, Marian Academy (Primary and Secondary), School of the Nations (Primary and Secondary), Saxacalli Primary, De Hoop Primary, Little Biaboo Primary, St. Cuthbert’s Mission Primary and Secondary, Moraikobai Primary, Santa Aratak Primary, Wakapau Secondary, Warapoka Primary and Secondary, Georgetown International Academy (Primary and Secondary), Open Doors Centre, Tapakuma Primary School, 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, Tuschen Secondary, and Lake Capoey Primary.

In December 2025, the Foundation expanded its reach through partnerships with two additional clubs, Abram Zuil Secondary School and Lake Capoey Primary School, further advancing its mission to empower youth through environmental science and technology education. An additional fourteen clubs also expressed interest in joining the E-STEM Program.

For the Primary Ecosystems Work Plan in December 2025, the topics completed included Ecosystems, Maps and Drones, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Plant Identification, Plant Adaptations, and Animal Adaptations. Club members were introduced to camera traps as tools for monitoring wildlife, learning about their parts, uses, and setup methods, and understanding their importance in studying animal behaviour and supporting conservation efforts.

Students were also trained in the parts, functions, and applications of drones for environmental monitoring, mapping, and disaster response, with sessions covering safety procedures, equipment setup, and basic flight practice. Lessons on plant adaptations explored how species adjust to different environments through structural, physiological, and behavioural traits, using real-world examples such as cacti, mangroves, and water lilies. This learning was reinforced through field activities and a plant adaptation identification assessment. As part of the Animal Identification and Animal Adaptation lessons, club members learned to classify animals as vertebrates and invertebrates and explored their ecological roles, including their importance as pollinators.

Throughout the program, students created drawings, posters, and dioramas, viewed educational videos and presentations, and actively participated in class discussions. Field trips allowed them to conduct hands-on plant and animal identification exercises and to further examine plant and animal adaptations within natural environments.

Club members also learned about the different types of ecosystems, the threats they face, and practical measures for protecting them. They explored food chains and food webs, the organisms involved, and how animals are adapted to survive in specific habitats. Additionally, they examined how maps, compasses, and GPS technology can support the protection of ecosystems and wildlife.

Over forty students participated in the program during the month, engaging in presentations, discussions, and creative projects that fostered curiosity, critical thinking, and practical understanding of environmental science. These experiences strengthened students’ awareness of key issues such as pollution prevention, composting, and water quality, while encouraging them to 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.

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

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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.