By| Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News|
SAXACALLI, ESSEQUIBO RIVER — The EMC Foundation officially launched its latest educational resource, the ‘Saxacalli Rainforest Activity Book’, during a ceremony at the Saxacalli Rainforest Centre on Friday, February 27, 2026. The initiative marks a significant step in environmental literacy, designed to turn the lush Guyanese rainforest into a “living laboratory” for the nation’s youth.
The keynote address was delivered by Minister of Education Sonia Parag, who urged students from the Saxacalli Primary and Nursery Schools to view themselves as pivotal leaders in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation.
A Call to “Organic Leadership”
Minister Parag’s speech resonated with the young audience as she redefined what it means to be a leader in the modern era.
- Agents of Change: She emphasized that leadership is not restricted to those in high office. “A leader doesn’t always look like the president… it looks like you, whether you are 6 years old or 11 years old,” Parag stated.
- Biodiversity as Wealth: While acknowledging Guyana’s rapid economic growth, the Minister reminded attendees that the country’s true, long-term wealth lies in its biodiversity.
- Global Positioning: The launch aligns with Guyana’s broader goal of becoming a global champion for ecosystem protection, as highlighted by President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s recent push for a Global Biodiversity Alliance.
E-STEM: Merging Nature with Technology
A highlight of the launch was the introduction of the Environmental STEM (E-STEM) program. This innovative curriculum encourages students to move beyond the classroom and engage with the environment using modern tools:
- Digital Tools: Students are being trained to use camera traps and digital applications to monitor mammalian life and study local flora and fauna.
- Hands-on Learning: The program is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical science and the practical reality of Guyana’s unique ecosystems.
The Saxacalli Connection
Shyam Nokta, Managing Director of Environmental Management Consultants (EMC) and founder of the Foundation, reflected on his 20-year bond with the Saxacalli community.
- Sustainability Partnerships: Nokta commended Toshao Helen Williams and local teachers for their dedication to conservation.
- National Expansion: The Foundation’s strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education aims to establish and support environmental clubs in primary and secondary schools across all ten regions of Guyana.
- Heritage & Education: The Saxacalli Rainforest Centre, one of Guyana’s first private nature reserves, continues to serve as a base for students and researchers to explore the tropical rainforest while learning the importance of its preservation.
