At just 15 years old, Rylon Williams is living proof of what happens when curiosity meets opportunity. A proud member of the Lake Mainstay Learning Pod and student of Anna Regina Multilateral School, Rylon and two teammates are preparing to represent Guyana on the global stage at the prestigious International Greenwich Olympiad (IGO) Competition in the United Kingdom, April 22nd – 28th 2025; a remarkable achievement that is both a personal triumph and a shining example of bringing opportunity to talent through the power of community-based technology education.
Rylon’s journey began three years ago, when he first joined the Learning Pod program in his village. Supported by funding from IDB Lab, the Learning Pod initiative has been transforming education access in underserved communities across Guyana. It offers students like Rylon a chance to explore the worlds of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in hands-on, engaging ways.
According to pod leader, Ms Sharmala Singh, “From the beginning, Rylon stood out as a natural innovator. Described by his mentors as a “robotic genius,” he has been designing, building, and programming robots since the age of 12. His talent and dedication have only grown with time.”
This week, Rylon’s hard work captured the attention of not just his mentors, but his entire school. Invited by his teacher at Anna Regina Secondary School, Rylon demonstrated one of his inventions to his classmates; a classroom-assistant robot designed to clean the chalkboard and tidy up the space. The reaction was electric. Students were amazed to see a peer bring robotics to life in such a practical and exciting way, sparking fresh interest in STEM education and innovation across the class.
“Rylon continues to make us proud,” said his STEMGuyana Operations Manager Ms Alisha Koulen. “He has a natural talent for robotics, and we are confident he will go far in this field. His creativity and discipline inspire not only his peers but all of us who are privileged to support him.”
The team’s upcoming participation at the IGO Competition in London is more than a personal milestone, it’s a proud moment for the Lake Mainstay Learning community and for Guyana as a whole. As he prepares to fly the flag of his country, Rylon carries with him the hopes of his community and the promise of what happens when young minds are nurtured with care, resources, and belief.
Rylon’s journey is also a testament to the impact of programs like the Learning Pod, powered by the support of IDB Lab, which continue to open doors for young Guyanese in communities that were too often left behind.
As Rylon gears up for London, he reminds us all that talent lives everywhere — and with the right support, it can go anywhere. We are proud to cheer for his team on every step of the way!
