On May 23, 2025, the EMC Foundation proudly launched the “Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook,” pioneering English and Arawak audio materials based on the groundbreaking children’s book Arya Takes a Swim, at the Umana Yana in Georgetown. The event, celebrated by prominent personalities and enthusiastic attendees, marked a significant step in promoting marine conservation and education among Guyana’s youth.
The Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook is a heartfelt tribute to Mrs. Arya Ali, the First Lady of Guyana, in recognition of her unwavering commitment to environmental conservation. The central character, a green turtle, was named in her honour.
This launch, hosted on World Turtle Day 2025, brought together speakers who shared their insights and praised the initiative. Her Excellency Mrs. Arya Ali, the First Lady of Guyana, expressed her joy and support for the project, stating, “I commend the EMC Foundation and its partners for this inclusive and imaginative approach to education and conservation. You are not only educating our nation’s children; you are empowering them. You’re providing them with tools that inform and inspire them to learn more about the environment.”
The First Lady added that the audiobook addresses causes close to her heart, including environmental protection, youth empowerment, and literacy. She noted that the project is a beautiful example of what can be achieved when Government, non-governmental organisations, and international partners work together.
Additionally, British High Commissioner, H.E. Jane Miller, underscored the British High Commission’s support for projects like Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook, stating, “We’ve really enjoyed our collaboration with the EMC Foundation—a great example of a catalytic and innovative project that brings Guyana’s beauty and the blue economy to life, and highlights the importance of a sustainable and healthy ocean environment.”
Founder and Director of the EMC Foundation, Mr. Shyam Nokta, in his remarks, highlighted that Arya Takes a Swim—Guyana’s first children’s book on turtle tagging—is once again making waves, as the first Arawak children’s audiobook on marine turtle conservation in Guyana. He also expressed excitement for future projects aligned with the Foundation’s mission of raising environmental awareness through education.
Mr. Nokta noted, “We obviously would like to continue to take this initiative forward. Our dream is to see this audio series featured on the Ministry of Education’s channel so it can be accessed by communities across the country. We also hope to see Arya Takes a Swim available in Arawak in schools and Indigenous communities throughout Guyana.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), Mr. Fitzroy Sealey, shared updates on turtle conservation efforts in Guyana, noting encouraging trends in nesting and hatchlings at the Shell Beach Protected Area. He commended the EMC Foundation and Environmental Management Consultants Inc. for their vital role in the Turtle Telemetry Programme and expressed the PAC’s eagerness for future collaborations.
Further, Toshao of St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Mr. Alvoro Simon, offered insights into the community’s cultural and conservation efforts, emphasising how pivotal a project like this is in preserving Indigenous languages. He shared that his community has faced challenges in maintaining their language, but with plans to teach it in schools, this project will play a vital role in that initiative.
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 is part of the EMC Foundation’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness and foster a collective commitment to marine turtle conservation in Guyana.
Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook is inspired by the real-life Turtle Telemetry Program at Shell Beach and follows the journey of a green turtle named Arya. Through immersive narration and rich sound design, the series encourages children and families across the country to explore and protect the marine environment—making marine conservation more accessible, engaging, and inspiring for all.
First Lady of Guyana, H.E. Arya Ali, Delivering Feature Remarks
British High Commissioner to Guyana, H.E. Jane Miller Delivering Remarks
EMC Foundation Founder and Director, Mr. Shyam Nokta, Delivering Remarks
Deputy Commissioner of PAC, Mr. Fitzroy Sealey, Providing Remarks
Toshao of St. Cuthbert’s Mission/Pakuri, Mr. Alvoro Simon, Providing Remarks
Abel Stokes and the St. Cuthbert’s Mission Culture Group Performing During the Programme
Mr. Shyam Nokta Presenting ‘Arya Takes a Swim’ to Officials
EMC Foundation Board Member, Mrs. Malisa Nokta, Presenting ‘Arya Takes a Swim’ to Officials
EMC Foundation Program Coordinator, Sarah Singh, Presenting ‘Arya Takes a Swim’ to Special Invitees
Guests interacting at the Launch of Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook
Visual Displays from the Launch of Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook
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.
