By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News|
— In a move set to revolutionize the nation’s human capital, President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday welcomed a massive US$100 million investment from ExxonMobil Guyana aimed at strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education over the next ten years.
The initiative is designed to transition Guyana from a resource-dependent economy to a knowledge-driven one, ensuring the next generation is equipped to lead the country’s 21st-century industrial and technological expansion.
Transforming the Classroom: Focus on Mathematics
President Ali emphasized that a core pillar of the program is addressing the foundational challenges in the current education system, particularly at the secondary level.
- Teacher Training: The initiative will fund specialized training for thousands of educators to improve instructional outcomes in mathematics and science.
- Equipping Schools: Teachers will be provided with advanced digital and instructional tools to make complex STEM subjects more accessible and engaging.
- Secondary-Level Priority: The President noted that achieving “incredible results in mathematics” in secondary schools is a critical benchmark for the program’s success.
Flagship National STEM Center at UG
A key highlight of the announcement is the construction of a state-of-the-art National STEM Center on the University of Guyana (UG) campus.
- Early Exposure: The President’s vision is to place younger children in a “campus setting” from an early age, demystifying higher education and fostering an early interest in science-based careers.
- Hands-on Learning: Modeled after successful programs in the United States, the center will provide practical, lab-based learning opportunities for teens and young adults.
- Regional Network: Following the Georgetown hub at UG, a nationwide network of satellite STEM centers will be rolled out across the country.
ExxonMobil’s Long-Term Commitment
ExxonMobil Chairman and CEO Darren Woods, who traveled to Guyana for the launch, described STEM as the “foundation for every modern society.”
- Powering Success: Woods stated that these disciplines are essential for powering Guyana’s success and competitiveness in a global market.
- Collaboration: The rollout will be a three-way collaboration between ExxonMobil, the Ministry of Education, and the University of Guyana.
- Impact Scale: Over the next decade, the initiative aims to reach tens of thousands of students and train thousands of teachers, creating a sustainable pipeline of local engineers and scientists.
Investment Snapshot: The US$100M STEM Drive
| Component | Objective |
| Funding | US$100 Million over 10 years. |
| Infrastructure | National STEM Center at UG; Nationwide satellite centers. |
| Human Capital | Training thousands of educators; Reaching tens of thousands of students. |
| Curriculum Focus | Secondary level Math and Science outcomes. |
“Our goal is very simple. Inspiring the next generation of Guyana’s engineers and scientists by working with the students and the teachers who educate them,” Darren Woods concluded.
