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On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, the EMC Foundation and the Sophia Point Rainforest Research Centre signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), officially formalising a partnership aimed at advancing environmental awareness and facilitating knowledge sharing with a focus on youths in Bartica and the Lower Essequibo Region.

The MoU was signed by Ms. Sarah Singh, EMC Foundation’s Program Coordinator, and Ms. Ailsa Henderson, Sophia Point’s Centre Director, and witnessed by Dr. Gyanpriya Maharaj and Mr. René Edwards, trustees of the Sophia Point Rainforest Research Centre. Also present were Rt. Honourable David Lammy, Founder of the Sophia Point Rainforest Research Centre and United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, and the Founder and Director of the EMC Foundation, Mr. Shyam Nokta.  

This partnership marks a significant step forward in advancing environmental awareness and youth empowerment and brings together two organisations that have operations and activities in the Lower Essequibo River focused on rainforest awareness, research and conservation action, working with local communities and youths.

About the EMC Foundation

EMC Foundation was established by 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 that encourage a greater understanding of the environment, creating a network to connect like-minded people, and providing opportunities to experience Guyana’s rich natural environment.

For more information, please visit https://www.emcfoundation.gy 

About the Sophia Point Rainforest Research Centre

The Sophia Point Rainforest Research Centre is committed to supporting the transformation of research and conservation in Guyana’s rainforests. The organisation supports this mission by conserving the Sophia Point site, establishing research facilities, and fostering local and global dialogue on ecosystem integrity, climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable resource use. With a permanent, accessible Field Research Centre on the East Bank of the Essequibo River, Sophia Point serves as a low-cost, high-impact hub for equitable, world-leading science.

For more information, please visit https://www.sophiapoint.com/

Ms. Sarah Singh, EMC Foundation’s Program Coordinator, and Ms. Ailsa Henderson, Sophia Point’s Centre Director, Signing the MOU

Rt. Honourable David Lammy and Mr. Shyam Nokta During a Discussion at the MOU Signing

EMC Foundation and Sophia Point Representatives Present for the MOU Signing (Back Row, From Left: Mr. René Edwards, Mr. Shyam Nokta, Rt. Honourable David Lammy; Front Row, From Left: Ms. Ailsa Henderson, Dr. Gyanpriya Maharaj, Ms. Sarah Singh)

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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 2, 2025, the EMC Foundation had the distinct honour of engaging with internationally acclaimed recording artist, Mr. Maxi Priest, during his visit to St. Cuthbert’s Mission (Pakuri), the only Indigenous community found in region 4: Demerara-Mahaica.

The visit followed the Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook Community Listening Session at the Village Benab, where the EMC Foundation team supported the community in welcoming Mr. Maxi Priest and showcasing the rich culture of St. Cuthbert’s Mission.

As part of the engagement, EMC Foundation Program Coordinator, Ms. Sarah Singh, warmly welcomed Mr. Maxi Priest and presented the EMC Foundation publications, ‘Ollie the Otter’s River Adventures,’ and ‘Hidden Gems of the Mahaica River,’ along with a handcrafted giant river otter balata figurine. At the time, the artist was exploring Guyana’s diverse landscapes and wildlife, immersing himself in the country’s natural beauty.

During the short programme, Mr. Maxi Priest, a British artist with Jamaican ancestry, expressed his deep appreciation for Guyana’s warm hospitality and captivating scenery, while emphasising the importance of preserving the environment. He also autographed a copy of the EMC Foundation coffee table book, ‘Visual Chronicles of the Mahaica Wetlands and Mangroves,’ a gesture that was greatly appreciated and will be treasured.

Prior to this engagement, the British High Commissioner to Guyana, H.E. Jane Miller, OBE, and British High Commission Programme Manager, Ms. Kassia De Santos, had presented Mr. Maxi Priest with a copy of the ‘Visual Chronicles of the Mahaica Wetlands and Mangroves’ coffee table book. The British High Commission is a valued partner of the EMC Foundation, collaborating on impactful initiatives such as The Visual Chronicles of the Mahaica Wetlands and Mangroves and Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook projects through the Blue Social Challenge Fund Pilot, a component of the United Kingdom Government’s Sustainable Blue Economy Programme.

Engagements like these reflect the EMC Foundation’s mission of raising environmental awareness among Guyana’s youth and wider audiences. They also embody the Foundation’s aim, Experience, Connect, and Act, inspiring people to discover the wonders of the natural environment, form meaningful connections with it, and take action to protect it for future generations.

British High Commissioner, HE Jane Miller, Presenting the Visual Chronicles of the Mahaica Wetlands and Mangroves Publication to Mr. Maxi Priest

Ms. Sarah Singh Presenting the EMC Foundation Publications to Mr. Maxi Priest

Mr. Maxi Priest Autographing a Copy of the Visual Chronicles of the Mahaica Wetlands and Mangroves Coffee Table Book

Mr. Maxi Priest Providing Brief Remarks During the Engagement

The Pakuri Cultural Group Performing an Indigenous Dance During the Engagement

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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 2, 2025, the EMC Foundation proudly hosted the second Community Listening Session for the Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook project in the culturally rich village of St. Cuthbert’s Mission (Pakuri), located in the Mahaica region.

This special event brought together residents of all ages to experience Arya Takes a Swim in an immersive and meaningful way. Attendees listened to both the English and Arawak versions of the story, viewed exclusive behind-the-scenes footage on the making of the audiobook, and enjoyed a special video snippet of the Arawak-language version.

The event was warmly welcomed by the community and attended by Toshao Mr. Alvoro Simon, the St. Cuthbert’s Secondary Environmental Club Coordinator, Ms. Michelle Schuman, Village Elder and Previous Toshao, Mr. Leeland Clenkian, teachers, students and other village representatives.

The response from the community was enthusiastic and deeply emotional. St. Cuthbert’s Mission is one of the many villages where Arawak is spoken, and for many, hearing the Arawak language in a creative, modern format was both exciting and inspiring. The session also strengthened local awareness about sea turtle conservation and the importance of protecting local wildlife and ecosystems.

Ms. Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator of the EMC Foundation, delivered remarks during the session, highlighting that the Arya Takes a Swim story is a broader conservation message that reflects years of conservation work aimed at protecting Guyana’s four sea turtle species.

She explained that the story draws from turtle telemetry activities conducted by Environmental Management Consultants Inc. (EMC) along the Shell Beach Protected Area, and that the main character’s name honours Her Excellency Mrs. Arya Ali, First Lady of Guyana, who is a strong advocate for both animal welfare and human rights.

Sarah also noted that this project honours Indigenous communities and helps to preserve their language. “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.”

Also providing remarks was the Toshao of St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Mr. Alvoro Simon, who commended the work that the EMC Group has been doing in the community for the past few years. These include research, its E-STEM Program with environmental clubs, environmental monitoring, support for livelihood projects, educational publications, and a variety of innovative outreach initiatives.

He noted, “We’ve been very grateful, the club would know Sarah and the team here as they come here often and are very knowledgeable. They’re very insightful into the stuff that they do here in the village. And we trust them. At our end, it is exactly what we need right now. As our country, as our world, for a matter of fact, it becomes more modern and much more sophisticated and much more technological, we need to conserve what we have here”.

Mr. Simon also explained how his community has been influenced by other coastal communities, and with this, fewer residents are speaking their native tongue, Arawak or Lokono. To this end, he announced that they will be launching a new educational programme, in which the Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook project played a major role.

He proudly stated, “As of the new term, we will be creating a programme where we will be teaching the Arawak language in the schools. So, as you guys will return to school in September, we’ll start formulating a plan where we can teach it in schools.  And, of course, as we have seen from this and our experimental experience with this project, your children can definitely learn faster than some adults.”

The event extended beyond just listening. It featured an engaging Turtle Conservation Exhibition, and EMC Foundation Corner showcasing the organisation’s key publications, and fun turtle-themed activity and colouring pages for children.

Through interactive events like this, the EMC Foundation continues to bridge the gap between 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 Hosting the Listening Session

Toshao Alvoro Simon Providing Remarks During the Listening Session

Attendees Interacting with the Turtle Conservation Exhibition

Attendees Interacting with the EMC Foundation Corner

EMC Foundation Team Members Interacting with the Attendees on Marine Turtle Conservation

Attendees Completing Turtle-Themed Colouring and 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.

As part of the inaugural Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit 2025, the EMC Foundation proudly hosted an early morning educational tour along the scenic Mahaica River on July 25, 2025. Supported by ExxonMobil Guyana, the experience brought to life the region’s rich biodiversity and emphasised the critical importance of wildlife conservation and sustainable development.

Approximately 40 international delegates joined the tour, which offered up-close views of some of Guyana’s iconic species, including the Canje pheasant (Hoatzin), red howler monkeys, great egrets, and many more. The river provided the perfect backdrop for immersive learning and connection with nature.

Following the tour, delegates gathered for a brief but engaging programme highlighting the conservation efforts underway by the EMC Group in and around the Mahaica Watershed. In his welcome remarks, Mr. Shyam Nokta, Founder and Director of the EMC Foundation, shared the Foundation’s vision for the area, stating, “The Mahaica Watershed is a truly unique ecosystem, home to many of Guyana’s iconic species. Recognising its high biodiversity value, the EMC Foundation has been working with communities and stakeholders to support the protection and sustainable management of this area.”

Mr. Nokta further outlined the Foundation’s ongoing work through research, its E-STEM Programme with schools, environmental monitoring, support for livelihood projects, educational publications, and a variety of innovative outreach initiatives.

Adding a community perspective, Mr. Alvoro Simon, Toshao of St. Cuthbert’s Mission (Pakuri), addressed the gathering and shared how the EMC Foundation has been supporting his community, not only in environmental protection but also in preserving their language and culture.

The morning concluded with cultural enrichment through a captivating performance by Mr. Ovid Williams, a renowned Guyanese storyteller and musician, who spotlighted Indigenous languages and heritage. In another heartwarming moment, members of the Little Biaboo Primary Environmental Club presented an impactful poem about the Mahaica River, celebrating its diverse flora and fauna.

Each participant left with meaningful tokens, a collection of EMC Foundation’s publications, including ‘Visual Chronicles of the Mahaica Wetlands and Mangroves’, ‘Hidden Gems of the Mahaica River’, and the children’s storybook ‘Ollie the Otter’s River Adventures,’ helping them remember the sights, sounds, and stories of the Mahaica.

The Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit, held from July 23–25, 2025, brought together global leaders, scientists, Indigenous representatives, innovators, and environmental advocates in a landmark effort to advance biodiversity protection. The Mahaica River Tour, hosted by the EMC Foundation, perfectly complemented the Summit by showcasing Guyana’s ecological richness and the importance of protecting these vital landscapes for future generations.

Delegates Arriving at Little Biaboo for the Mahaica River Tour

Delegates Departing for the Tour of the Mahaica River

Delegates During the Tour of the Mahaica River

Biodiversity Observed During the Mahaica River Tour

Delegates During the Mahaica River Tour Programme

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

Toshoa of St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Mr. Alvoro Simon Providing Brief Remarks

Mr. Ovid Williams Delivering a Cultural Performance

The Little Biaboo Environmental Club Delivering a Poem on the Mahaica Watershed

Delegates receiving their EMC Foundation Information Boxes

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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 July 17, 2025, the EMC Foundation proudly hosted the first Community Listening Session for the Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook project in the vibrant village of Saxacalli, located along the Essequibo River.

This milestone event brought together both children and adults to experience the story in a new and immersive way. Attendees listened to both the English and Arawak versions of Arya Takes a Swim, viewed behind-the-scenes videos on the making of the project, and were treated to a special video snippet of the audiobook in Arawak. The event was also attended by Toshao Ms. Helen Williams, Environmental Club Coordinator Ms. Shanice Wilson, and other teachers from the village. Ms. Helen expressed her gratitude to the EMC Foundation for hosting the activity in the community.

The response from the community was enthusiastic and heartfelt. Many attendees expressed their excitement at hearing the Arawak language for the first time, while also gaining a deeper appreciation for sea turtle conservation efforts in Guyana.

The activity also provided a valuable opportunity for villagers to share their knowledge and experiences related to both the Arawak language and marine turtle conservation. Some residents recalled past sightings of turtles near Saxacalli, and a few shared that they had even rescued and released turtles that had come ashore in the area. These personal stories added a meaningful layer to the session, reinforcing the importance of community involvement in conservation and cultural preservation.

During the event, Ms. Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator of the EMC Foundation, shared insights into the project’s purpose and impact. “Arya Takes a Swim is more than just a children’s story; it represents decades of work to protect and conserve the four species of sea turtles found in Guyana,” Sarah noted.

She explained that the story was inspired by turtle telemetry exercises conducted by Environmental Management Consultants Inc. (EMC) along the Shell Beach Protected Area, and that the main character’s name was chosen in honour of Her Excellency Mrs. Arya Ali, First Lady of Guyana, a passionate advocate for animal and human rights.

Sarah also emphasised the project’s cultural significance, particularly its contribution to language preservation. “With the audiobook translated into Arawak, one of Guyana’s nine Indigenous languages, this project supports efforts to revitalise a language that is at risk of fading,” Sarah added.

The event offered more than just listening. It was a fully educational and interactive experience. Attendees explored the Turtle Conservation Exhibition, visited the EMC Foundation Corner featuring the organisation’s publications, and enjoyed fun, turtle-themed colouring and activity pages designed especially for younger participants.

Through these sessions, the EMC Foundation aims to raise awareness about sea turtle conservation while embracing and promoting Indigenous languages and heritage. By combining storytelling, science, and community voices, the Foundation continues to foster meaningful connections between people and the environment, ensuring that conservation and cultural preservation go hand in hand for future generations.

Attendees Viewing the Videos During the Programme

Ms. Sarah Singh Hosting the Listening Session

Attendees Interacting with the Turtle Conservation Exhibition

Attendees Interacting with the EMC Foundation Corner

EMC Foundation Team Members Interacting with the Attendees on Marine Turtle Conservation

Attendees Completing Turtle-Themed Colouring and Activity Sheets

Attendees Engaging with the Turtle Telemetry Selfie Frame and EMC Foundation Tokens

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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 Saturday, June 28, 2025, the EMC Foundation partnered with the Scout Association of Guyana to host a ‘Waste to Wonder’ activity. Hosted at the Scout Association’s headquarters on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, the indoor, hands-on session brought together over 20 Cub Scouts, aged 7 to 11, for a morning of creativity, collaboration, and environmental learning.

Designed to promote recycling and environmental responsibility, the ‘Waste to Wonder’ activity showed young participants how everyday items such as plastic bottles, cans, newspapers, and CDs that are usually discarded can be repurposed into something useful and meaningful. The session aimed to inspire sustainable habits, encourage creative thinking, and make environmental education fun and interactive.

In preparation for the event, EMC Foundation staff collected recyclable materials, which were then used as the primary tools for the day’s activities. During the session, Cub Scouts were divided into five groups, each guided by a member of the EMC Foundation team. The groups collaborated to transform the collected materials into recycled plant pots, learning along the way about waste reduction, the value of recycling, and how small actions can help protect the environment.

Each group participated in a reflection and presentation segment, where they showcased their creations and shared insights from the experience. This closing activity not only reinforced what they had learned but also encouraged public speaking, teamwork, and a sense of pride in their efforts.

To further promote environmental stewardship, each Cub Scout received carrot seeds and soil for their recycled pots, encouraging them to nurture their creation at home and continue their journey of caring for the environment.

The EMC Foundation was proud to support this activity, which aligns with its core focus on education, environmental awareness, and E-STEM capacity building. The event also represents one of the ways the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the EMC Foundation and the Scout Association of Guyana is being implemented, fostering positive change and environmental consciousness among Guyana’s youth.

Cub Scouts During an Ice Breaker Activity

Cub Scouts Recycling Their Plant Pots

Cub Scouts During the Reflection Session at the End of the Activity

Cub Scouts with EMC Foundation Team Members

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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.

EMC Foundation, through its E-STEM Program, continues to collaborate with twenty-one environmental clubs across the coast of Guyana. 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, Tapakuma Lake Primary and Open Doors School.

During June 2025, the primary and secondary environmental clubs focused on Ecosystems and Responsible Waste Management. For the Primary Work Plan, the topics completed were inclusive of Pollution, Air Quality Control, Reusing, Recycling and GPS. Club members watched videos, created unique projects and posters and practised using technological devices, such as the GPS.

For the Secondary Work Plan, the topics completed were Air, Water and Noise Pollution and Waste Audit. Club members watched videos, listened to presentations and engaged in class discussions.

During June 2025, club members demonstrated keen interest and participation in the sessions. They actively engaged in exploring the types of pollution, how to reuse and recycle, how to increase the quality of the air, how to dispose of waste and how to use GPS devices. They contributed to discussions on the types of pollution and how they are caused, ways in which they could reduce and recycle at home and in their community, and how to contribute to a clean environment by disposing of waste correctly. These efforts reflect the club members growing environmental awareness, demonstrating active participation and a strong commitment to sustainable practices within their communities.

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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 June 19, 2025, the EMC Foundation proudly presented over 1,000 flash drives containing the Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook to Mr. Marti DeSouza, Deputy Chief Education Officer (Amerindian and Hinterland Education Development) at the Ministry of Education. This meaningful initiative supports the integration of environmental conservation into Guyana’s school curriculum while promoting the preservation and revitalisation of Indigenous languages.

Each flash drive contains the Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook in both English and Arawak. The content is designed to raise awareness about sea turtle conservation among students and communities, while celebrating linguistic and cultural heritage. Inspired by the real-life Turtle Telemetry Program at Shell Beach, Arya Takes a Swim follows the journey of Arya, a green sea turtle. Brought to life through immersive narration by Guyanese voices from St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Wakapau, and Georgetown, and enhanced with rich sound design, the story is crafted to captivate young listeners and their families.

The Ministry of Education will distribute the flash drives to all nursery, primary, and secondary schools across Guyana, ensuring students in every region have access to this engaging environmental education resource.

As part of the handover, Mr. DeSouza also received a special EMC Foundation box containing printed copies of Arya Takes a Swim, its Arawak version – Arya Anuka Aba Chimahi, and the Foundation’s latest publication, Ollie the Otter’s River Adventures.

During the presentation, EMC Foundation Founder and Director, Mr. Shyam Nokta, highlighted the project’s success in connecting children with marine conservation and the importance of storytelling in education. He noted that the translation of Arya Takes a Swim into Arawak expands its accessibility and announced plans to adapt the story into other Indigenous languages across Guyana.

Mr. DeSouza praised the initiative as a beautiful and innovative way of preserving the languages and arousing interest in Indigenous language, and expressed his commitment to supporting the continued expansion of the project.

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. These collaborations mark another important step in the EMC Foundation’s mission to empower communities through environmental education, cultural preservation, and meaningful partnerships.

Mr. Shyam Nokta Presenting an EMC Foundation Box to Mr. Marti DeSouza

Mr. Marti DeSouza Reviewing ‘Arya Takes a Swim’

Mr. Marti DeSouza with English and Arawak Versions of ‘Arya Takes a Swim’

Mr. Marti DeSouza and the EMC Foundation Team Viewing the ‘Behind the Scenes’ Video on the Audiobook Production

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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 Monday, June 16, 2025, the EMC Foundation proudly presented British High Commissioner to Guyana, Her Excellency Jane Miller, OBE, with a beautiful collection of giant river otter canvas prints, along with flash drives containing the Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook. The presentation was made by EMC Foundation Program Coordinator, Sarah Singh.

The featured images, captured along the Mahaica River and at Karanambu, were originally unveiled during the launch of the Ollie the Otter’s River Adventures storybook and are now displayed at the British High Commission. This vibrant visual collection celebrates Guyana’s iconic giant river otters, a species Her Excellency has seen firsthand having visited the Mahaica River on many occasions.

The collection was made possible through the dedication of several nature enthusiasts and partners, including High Commissioner Jane Miller and Dr. Rob Miller, Indranee Roopsind, the Karanambu Trust, Nathan Chinapen, Deonarine Chand, and the EMC Foundation team.

The EMC Foundation is honoured to continue its meaningful collaboration with the British High Commission through initiatives that promote environmental conservation and public awareness. Notable joint projects include the Visual Chronicles of the Mahaica Wetlands and Mangroves coffee table book, and the recently launched Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook.

British High Commissioner, H.E. Jane Miller; British High Commission Programme Manager, Kassia De Santos; and EMC Foundation Program Coordinator, Sarah Singh During the Handing Over

Presentation of the ‘Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook’ Flash Drives to High Commissioner Jane Miller

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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.

EMC Foundation, through its E-STEM Program, continues to collaborate with twenty-one environmental clubs across the coast of Guyana. 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, Tapakuma Lake Primary and Open Doors School.

During May 2025, the primary and secondary environmental clubs focused on Ecosystems and Responsible Waste Management. For the Primary Work Plan, the topics completed were inclusive of Ecosystems, Composting, Pollution, Water Quality Monitoring, Noise Pollution and Waste Disposal. Club members watched videos, created unique projects, and participated in science experiments and field trips.

For the Secondary Work Plan, the topics completed were Soil Resource & Management, Pollution and Composting. Club members watched videos, listened to presentations and engaged in class discussions.

The EMC Foundation engaged 89 students in the E-STEM program for May 2025. Activities consisted of discussions, presentations, educational videos and creative projects which all aided in fostering environmental awareness and practical learning.

During May 2025, club members demonstrated enthusiastic participation in the topics explored. They actively engaged in learning the types of ecosystems, how to compost, types of pollution and prevention methods, recognising the importance of water quality and the effects of noise pollution. They contributed to discussions on strategies for preventing pollution, how they could practice composting at home and how they could filter water. These efforts highlight their positive attitudes and proactive participation in the environmental club’s initiatives.

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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