The Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) began vital consultations with educators in the Barima Mora Passage (BMP) area, Mabaruma, and Hosororo on Thursday, February 6 to develop and pilot an environmental education curriculum. These consultations signified the launch of Year 2 of the Education and Awareness Program on the Barima Mora Passage. This initiative, funded by SBM Offshore Guyana, marks a key step toward promoting environmental sustainability in the region and raising awareness about the importance of protecting local ecosystems.
In attendance were fourteen teachers from riverain schools, including Black Water Primary, Lower Kaituma Primary, St Anselm’s Primary, Unity Square Primary, Aruka Primary, St Cyprian’s Primary, and St Peter & Paul Primary, along with three teachers from Hosororo Primary, two from North West Secondary, and four representatives from the Region 1 Department of Education. The workshop was held at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) boardroom in Mabaruma.
“Today speaks volumes about the importance of our environment and our collective responsibility to mold the young minds in our country,” said Region 1 Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley in his address to the participants. He highlighted the growing threat of climate change, stressing that immediate action is essential. GMCS has long been a committed partner to Region 1, particularly in the protection of its critical mangrove ecosystems, he noted, and encouraged the teachers to continue championing the cause of environmental stewardship.
This workshop marks the first of several planned sessions aimed at collaboratively developing an environmental education curriculum tailored to the specific needs of Region 1 schools. The initiative is part of a broader, four-year grant from SBM Offshore Guyana, focused on enhancing environmental education and awareness within the BMP area for both primary and secondary schools.
SBM Offshore Guyana is pleased to continue its support for educational and capacity building programs for indigenous communities. This support aligns with the company’s commitment to fostering sustainable development in Guyana, and is in keeping with its support for United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 4, Quality Education and Goal 10, Reduced Inequality.
“No educator will say that they are fully educated because they have a passion for continuous learning,” said Region 1 – Barima Waini Regional Education Officer Cliva Joseph in her opening remarks. She urged teachers to take full advantage of the opportunity, saying, “learn as much as possible, for yourself, for your community, and for your people.” She also commended GMCS for its dedication to Region 1 and underscored the significance of community engagement and collaboration in strengthening education, especially in the critical area of environmental education.
The project recognizes that environmental education is a long-term commitment to both knowledge and action. It aims to develop and pilot an environmental education curriculum in select Region 1 schools, with GMCS collaborating with the South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS) to support this process. By September 2025, the project will reach communities including Imbotero, Smith Creek, Morawhanna, Aruka Mouth, Lower Blackwater, Lower Kaituma, St Anslem, and Unity Square, working with select local schools to implement the curriculum and train teachers in environmental education.
SRCS’s successful development of an Environmental Education Curriculum for indigenous youth in Region 9, which was shaped through consultations with local communities and teachers, will serve as a model for adapting and tailoring the curriculum to meet the unique needs of Region 1 students.
This collaborative effort highlights the importance of sustainability through education, empowering the next generation to become environmental stewards who will safeguard their natural resources for years to come.
