STEMGuyana has announced an exciting new partnership with Scotiabank Guyana aimed at enhancing and sustaining its flagship Learning Pods Programme. This initiative, which began in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been a vital lifeline for thousands of school-aged children across the country, helping to mitigate learning loss and provide after-school enrichment in key subjects such as Science, Mathematics, English, Technology, Robotics, and Coding.
As the programme nears its 4th anniversary, it continues to expand, currently boasting 30 active learning pods spread across all 10 regions of Guyana. The partnership with Scotiabank Guyana will be instrumental in extending the reach and impact of the Learning Pods, as the bank has committed a generous GY$6,624,000 for the 2025 academic year, through its ScotiaRISE programme.
Karen Abrams, Founder and Executive Director of STEMGuyana, said the educational institution is thrilled to have Scotiabank Guyana as a key partner in its mission to prepare young minds for the future. “This investment will allow us to broaden our program’s scope, enhance its quality, and ensure that more students, especially those from underserved communities, gain access to critical STEM education, problem-solving skills, and digital literacy training that are essential for their academic and future career success,” Abrams said.
The Learning Pods Programme has already made significant strides in enriching the lives of Guyanese children, offering structured learning environments led by trained coaches who provide interactive lessons and mentorship. Since its inception, the programme has positively impacted students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, providing them with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
With Scotiabank’s support, the programme will integrate new resources designed to enhance students’ problem-solving abilities and further develop their digital competencies. The partnership also marks a commitment to including financial literacy sessions for both students and their parents or guardians. These sessions are aligned with Scotiabank’s broader goal of fostering economic resilience and youth empowerment across the Caribbean.
Nafeeza Gaffoor, Country Manager, Scotiabank Guyana said “Education is critical in enriching the lives of our youth and helping them grow. Through this partnership with STEMGuyana, we continue to support the development of our country’s youth by providing the educational support they need to realize their full potential, achieve success, and bolster their life opportunities.”
The collaboration between STEMGuyana and Scotiabank Guyana reflects a shared vision for improving the academic and life skills of young people across Guyana. In 2025, the two organisations commit to work closely to monitor the programme’s impact and track measurable improvements in students’ academic performance, digital literacy, and financial management skills. A comprehensive impact report will be published at the conclusion of the program to highlight key achievements.
The Learning Pods Programme has been transformative for Guyana’s students, providing equal access to educational resources across the country’s diverse regions. Whether in urban centers or more remote communities, the initiative has been a crucial step toward closing educational gaps and empowering future generations.
This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration between the private sector and education-focused organisations in achieving sustainable and meaningful change for the youth of Guyana.
Karen Abrams, Founder/Leader of STEMGuyana, reflects on the profound benefits of this initiative for the nation’s children, saying, “The Learning Pods have truly bridged educational gaps across all socio-economic strata, ensuring that children from every region of Guyana are equipped with the skills and knowledge to succeed in an ever-evolving world.”
For more information about the STEMGuyana Learning Pods Program and partnership opportunities, visit https://stemguyana.com/ or contact Alisha Koulen at 592-616-4454.
