More than 50 young Guyanese have completed an intensive four-day STEM programme designed to equip the next generation with practical skills in drone technology, surveying, geospatial sciences and emerging technologies, as Dragonfly Drones and Geospatial Solutions concluded its third annual Drone Kids | Drone Girls Summer Camp.
The free initiative, held in Georgetown, brought together students aged 12 to 16 from across the country, offering immersive, hands-on training in drone operations, GPS technology, mapping, surveying and geospatial sciences, while introducing participants to careers in agriculture, mining, environmental monitoring, infrastructure development and the oil and gas sector.
In a significant step towards narrowing the gender gap in science and technology, girls accounted for 50 per cent of this year’s participants, reinforcing Dragonfly’s commitment to ensuring young women are equally represented in the industries shaping Guyana’s future.
The programme continues to attract growing interest. Since its launch three years ago, it has introduced more than 150 young people to STEM and drone technology. This year alone, nearly 100 applications were received for just 50 available places, prompting organisers to expand the programme to accommodate 60 participants.
Campers benefitted from sessions led by local and international professionals. The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) provided training on drone regulations and safe operations, while Ocean Aero showcased autonomous marine technology and demonstrated how unmanned systems support offshore operations, environmental monitoring and underwater data collection. Altomaxx Offshore exposed participants to career opportunities in commercial drone operations, environmental monitoring, mining, surveying and the energy industry.
Founder of the Dragonfly Solutions Group, Brian Smith, said the programme was created to bridge the gap between young people and emerging career opportunities.
“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.”
Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited served as the programme’s title sponsor, reaffirming its investment in youth development and education.
Dragonfly also acknowledged the support of its corporate sponsors, government agencies, industry partners and community collaborators, whose financial contributions, technical expertise, educational sessions and logistical support enabled the camp to be offered entirely free of charge.
Smith said the programme demonstrates the impact of collaboration between the private sector and industry.
“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 said it intends to expand the programme beyond Georgetown, creating greater access to STEM education and emerging technologies for young people in communities across Guyana.
Dragonfly Drones and Geospatial Solutions is a Guyanese company specialising in drone services, geospatial solutions, surveying support and STEM education. Its professional portfolio includes LiDAR surveys, thermal imaging, Building Information Modelling (BIM) and precision agriculture solutions, while its annual Drone Kids | Drone Girls Summer Camp seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators through practical exposure to technologies transforming Guyana’s economy.
