Guyana’s Learning Pods Power Regions 2 & 7 Students to Prestigious Global STEM Olympiad

Guyana’s groundbreaking National Learning Pods Programme is once again making international waves. A team of five exceptional young minds, guided by two dedicated coaches, is set to represent Guyana at the International Greenwich Olympiad (IGO) in London—one of the world’s premier showcases for excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

This historic achievement is a direct result of the Learning Pods initiative, a bold education support model designed to close academic gaps through hands-on, tech-driven learning. Funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Scotiabank, and MODEC, the programme has empowered thousands of students across Guyana. Now, from the rural communities of Regions 2 and 7, a new generation of STEM leaders is stepping confidently onto the global stage.

At the core of this triumph are two remarkable educators: Miss Sharmala Singh, who leads the Mainstay Lake Learning Pod on the Essequibo Coast, and Ms. Colette Ault, head of the Bartica Mayor’s Office Learning Pod. Their years of mentorship have shaped three standout students—Rylon Williams, Tyra Stephney, and Ili Jarvis—whose passion, skill, and discipline have earned them the honour of competing among the world’s best.

“This group reflects some of the most committed and hardworking members of our programme,” said Karen Abrams, Director of STEMGuyana, which oversees the Learning Pods and the IGO team.

“We are proud to identify, prepare, and empower young people from underrepresented regions and give them the opportunity to shine. Many of these students have been with us for three years. They’re prepared, passionate, and worthy of the challenge.”

This inspiring journey has been made possible by widespread support—from the Guyana Diaspora and local families to key national stakeholders including the Ministry of Education, Office of the Prime Minister, Office of the Vice President, and the Ministry of Local Government. It is a powerful demonstration of national unity around the belief that every child, no matter where they’re from, deserves a chance to lead in a global, tech-driven future.

Participation in the IGO is more than a competition—it’s a life-changing opportunity. Students gain international exposure, strengthen university applications, and build critical skills in public speaking, cross-cultural communication, and innovation. Their upcoming trip to London promises to be a defining milestone in their academic and personal growth.

Guyana is set to raise its Golden Arrowhead at the Olympiad, and the nation is called to rally behind these exceptional young ambassadors and their phenomenal coaches—living proof that with the right support, Guyana’s youth can change the world.

STEMGuyana History

Founded in 2016 by U.S.-based Guyanese tech executive Karen Abrams, her husband Leon Christian, and their children—Iman, Asha, Caleb, and Joshua—STEMGuyana is a non-profit dedicated to unlocking the world-class potential of Guyanese youth through STEM education, robotics, and coding.

Under Abrams’ leadership, the organisation has established 41 learning pods across the country, 15 active STEM clubs (with plans to grow to 35), and a Parent Academy to support family involvement in education.

STEMGuyana has trained over 200 club leaders, developed more than 1,300 curriculum-aligned lessons, and launched the children’s STEM-focused educational show “Robin the Robot.”

Internationally, the organisation has led Team Guyana to strong performances at events like the First Global Robotics Challenge (FGC)—placing in the top 10 among 164 countries in 2017 and 2018—and at the International Youth Robotics Competition (IYRC). In 2019, Team Guyana competed in Dubai, and in 2018, STEMGuyana became Guyana’s official IYRC certifying body.

In a landmark move for gender inclusion, STEMGuyana also fielded Guyana’s first all-female robotics team for the 2023 FGC in Singapore. The organisation’s continued international success highlights its deep commitment to equipping the next generation of Guyanese innovators with the skills and confidence to thrive on the world stage.