GGI-funded Project ANAIM Launched to Expand Literacy and Numeracy Opportunities for Indigenous Women

• Programme will equip 90 Indigenous women across Regions One, Eight and Nine with foundational literacy and numeracy skills to strengthen confidence, independence and participation in everyday life.

Project ANAIM, an adult literacy and numeracy initiative for Indigenous women, was officially launched in Massara Village, Region Nine. Food For The Poor (Guyana) Inc. (FFTP), will implement the project with funding from the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI).

GGI’s support for the programme reflects its continued investment in education and capacity building, with a focus on expanding access to opportunities that can strengthen individual, family and community development.

ANAIM, derived from the Carib word meaning “Women of Strength,” will support 90 indigenous women in Regions One, Eight and Nine spanning across five communities: Turu Mission, Kopinang, Fairview, Toka, and Massara. The initiative aims to address geographic and social barriers to education while strengthening confidence, independence and community participation.

Lorna Carlson, Socio-economic Manager at ExxonMobil Guyana, said “This project recognises that many women face challenges in getting an education. Some live far from schools and training centres, while others may face financial difficulties, family responsibilities or other barriers that make learning harder. Project ANAIM is helping to change that.”. 

The training will be conducted for several months administering practical instruction in reading, writing and numeracy, strengthening participants’ everyday decision-making, information management and basic financial skills. Beyond developing foundational skills, Project ANAIM is intended to strengthen women’s ability to navigate everyday life, engage with public services and participate more confidently in community activities. By strengthening foundational skills, the project aims to help women participate more confidently in family, community and economic life while overcoming barriers that have limited access to education and opportunity.

Andrea Benjamin, Chief Executive Officer of FFTP Guyana Inc., said the community-focused initiative aims to help women make their voices heard, including when engaging with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

“One of the greatest impacts we hope to see is confidence. We want women to feel comfortable attending community meetings, communicating with their leaders and speaking with teachers, healthcare workers and government officials. When the RDC engages with residents, we want to hear more women asking questions and contributing their own ideas to discussions about development and their communities,” she said. 

Working with Village Councils, Toshaos and Regional Education Offices, the project will bring learning opportunities closer to women in remote Indigenous communities. This community-based approach is intended to make the programme accessible and responsive to the women it serves, while strengthening awareness of the importance of adult education and lifelong learning. The benefits are expected to extend to families and communities as participants become better positioned to support their children’s education and contribute to community life.

Participant Leonie Edwards welcomed the programme’s projected benefits for her family.

“I am glad that I am one of the students. I think I will learn more, and I know this project will benefit me and my family, especially when it comes to managing money. When they teach us about financial matters, I will be better able to account for the money that I spend.”

Region Nine Regional Councillor, Berney Robertson encouraged participants to support each other, stating, “Do not feel that it is ever too late to learn. I encourage you to support one another. Let this programme become a place where women encourage women, learn together and grow together.”

Through GGI’s support, Project ANAIM advances adult education and lifelong learning as pathways to stronger participation and greater inclusion.

About the Greater Guyana Initiative

The Greater Guyana Initiative is a ten-year, US$100 million partnership funded by the Stabroek Block co-venturers — ExxonMobil Guyana, Hess Guyana Exploration and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana.

GGI invests in education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, capacity building and economic diversification, helping to create lasting opportunities that support Guyana’s long-term national development.