Dragonfly Drones and Geospatial Solutions successfully concluded its third annual Drone Kids | Drone Girls Summer Camp, empowering more than 50 young innovators through an immersive four-day STEM experience focused on drone technology, surveying, geospatial sciences and innovation.
Reflecting Dragonfly’s commitment to increasing female participation in STEM, 50% of this year’s cohort were girls, reinforcing the programme’s mission to ensure young women are equally represented in the technologies shaping Guyana’s future.
The free programme brought together young innovators aged 12 to 16 from across Guyana, providing hands-on exposure to drone operations, GPS technology, surveying principles, mapping, geospatial sciences and the growing role of drones across industries, including agriculture, mining, environmental monitoring, infrastructure and the energy sector.
Since its launch, the programme has introduced well over 150 young people to drone technology and STEM, continuing to build a pipeline of future innovators across Guyana. This year alone, the camp received almost 100 applications for just 50 available spaces. In response to the overwhelming interest, Dragonfly expanded the cohort to sixty (60) participants.
Throughout the four-day programme, participants learnt from local and international industry professionals. Representatives from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) introduced students to drone regulations and safe operations, while partner organisation Ocean Aero showcased autonomous marine technology and how unmanned systems support offshore operations, environmental monitoring, and data collection beneath the ocean’s surface, as well as their work in Guyana. Altomaxx Offshore introduced campers to careers in commercial drone operations, environmental monitoring, mining, surveying and the oil and gas sector.
Brian Smith, Founder of the Dragonfly Solutions Group, said: “When we entered the drone industry, we recognised a gap, not in talent, but in exposure. Many young people simply did not know these career opportunities existed. Three years later, that mission remains the same. We want every child who comes through this programme to understand that technology is not something they simply use, it is something they can build careers around. One of the things I am especially proud of this year is that half of our participants were girls. If we have inspired even one child to dream bigger because of this programme, then we have achieved something truly meaningful.”
As Title Sponsor, Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited reaffirmed its commitment to investing in youth development and education by making the program.
Dragonfly also recognised the invaluable contribution of its sponsors, collaborators and community partners, whose collective support made it possible to deliver the programme completely free of charge. Special recognition was extended to Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, Sterling Products Limited, Paul Ewing Chow, Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, Cole’s Screen Printers, Print Zone, Nutrition Crave, Ansa McCal, Maggie’s Snackette & Catering, Fusion Hospitality Inc., Petit Four, Zoon Logistics, NexGen Sports, GoMoseley Media, Vegetarian Gardens, RLIC A.O.G, Pilots of the Caribbean Podcast, Wallet Wisdom, together with collaborators Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Ocean Aero, and Altomaxx Offshore. Their financial support, refreshments, branding support, logistics, educational sessions and technical expertise helped create an engaging and memorable experience for every camper.
Smith added: “This programme is a true example of what can happen when the private sector, industry professionals and community partners come together with a shared vision. Because of their support, more than 50 students accessed a unique STEM learning experience at absolutely no cost. We are sincerely grateful to every sponsor, collaborator and volunteer.”
Looking ahead, Dragonfly plans to expand the programme beyond Georgetown, creating greater access to STEM education and emerging technologies for young people across Guyana.
