The EMC Foundation has strengthened its commitment to environmental education and knowledge sharing with the presentation of an EMC Foundation Information Tree to the National Library of Guyana on September 3, 2026.
The presentation brought together representatives of the EMC Foundation, ExxonMobil Foundation, and the National Library of Guyana for the handover of a collection of publications focused on Guyana’s environment, biodiversity and conservation.
The Information Tree was presented by Mr. Shyam Nokta, Founder and Director of the EMC Foundation, to Ms. Emiley King, Chief Librarian of the National Library of Guyana. Also present was Ms. Suzanne De Abreu, ExxonMobil Guyana STEM Initiative Lead, representing the ExxonMobil Foundation, a longstanding partner of the EMC Foundation.
Describing the Information Tree as a “tree of knowledge,” Mr. Nokta highlighted its role in making information about Guyana’s environment and conservation efforts more accessible to students and the wider public.
The Information Tree showcases a collection of educational and environmental publications developed by the EMC Foundation team. The collection includes Visual Chronicles of the Mahaica Wetlands and Mangroves, Arya Takes a Swim, available in English and Lokono languages, Ollie the Otter’s River Adventures, Hidden Gems of the Botanical Gardens, the EMC Foundation 2025 Annual Report, Hidden Gems of the Mahaica River, Nature Hunt: Exploring Guyana Wordsearch, the Saxacalli Rainforest Activity Book, the Saxacalli Rainforest Centre Information Booklet, the Secondary School Environmental Quiz Handbook, and Wonderful World of Mangroves. Together, these publications highlight Guyana’s biodiversity, ecosystems, conservation efforts, and environmental resources while providing engaging and accessible materials to support environmental education and awareness.
For Mr. Nokta, the presentation held particular personal significance. Reflecting on his longstanding connection to the National Library, he recalled spending many Saturday mornings at the institution as a student at nearby Bishop’s High School. He noted that his visits took place at a time when students depended heavily on libraries and books to access information, before the widespread availability of the internet and digital research tools. He commended the National Library team for continuing to provide a quiet, safe, and welcoming environment where students and members of the public can access information, explore books, and pursue lifelong learning.
Ms. De Abreu, representing the ExxonMobil Foundation, expressed pleasure at being part of the presentation and highlighted the longstanding partnership between ExxonMobil and the EMC Foundation.
She described the Information Tree as a fitting investment in environmental education, noting its potential to benefit students, teachers, and visitors to the National Library. She also highlighted the collection’s activity-based resources, which can help make learning about Guyana’s flora and fauna both engaging and enjoyable for younger audiences.
On behalf of the Committee of the National Library and the Ministry of Education, Ms. King expressed gratitude for the donation, describing the collection as a valuable resource on Guyana’s flora and fauna. She emphasised the importance of presenting environmental information in simple and accessible formats, particularly as technical information can sometimes be difficult for members of the wider learning community to understand.
According to Ms. King, the resources have the potential to help students, teachers, and members of the public better understand environmental issues and translate that knowledge into positive actions and practices that contribute to protecting Guyana’s environment.
She also welcomed the opportunity for the Information Tree to support the National Library’s programmes for children and young people. With children regularly visiting the library, particularly on Saturdays, during educational programmes, and throughout school holidays, the collection provides additional opportunities for engagement among children, parents, teachers, and library staff.
Ms. King further extended appreciation to the ExxonMobil Foundation for its continued support of the EMC Foundation and expressed hope that the partnership would continue as a long-term investment in education, environmental awareness, and the people of Guyana.
The presentation reflects the EMC Foundation’s continued efforts to make environmental knowledge more accessible and to connect education with meaningful action. By placing its publications within the National Library, the Foundation is helping to ensure that information about Guyana’s natural environment reaches new audiences and continues to inspire learning, awareness, and environmental conservation.
About the EMC Foundation
The EMC Foundation was established by Mr. Shyam Nokta, winner of the 2022 Anthony N Sabga Award for Entrepreneurship. The Foundation works to support environmental awareness and education in Guyana by promoting activities which encourage a greater understanding of the environment, creating a network to connect like-minded persons, and providing opportunities to experience Guyana’s rich natural environment.
