AS one of the activities to commemorate Energy Week 2015, an “Express your Energy” event was hosted at the Transport and Harbours Sports Club, Thomas Lands, where students expressed much exuberance and enthusiasm about learning about energy through discussion and quiz.Fifty primary school students participated in the recent Guyana Energy Agency’s (GEA) activity, in which students between the ages of nine and 11 from grades four and six at Graham’s Hall Primary, North Georgetown Primary, West Ruimveldt Primary, St Agnes and St Ambrose Primary were introduced to conservation tips.
Students were encouraged at different stations to convey their interpretation and knowledge of energy sources, sustainability, energy conservation and energy efficiency, through artwork/pictorial illustrations and word searches.

TEACHERS JOINED FUN
Planned as a relay activity this year, the students wasted no time in completing energy-based activities at their respective stations before jumping, bunny hopping, running and walking to the next station as their fellow team members loudly showed support. The teachers joined in the fun, coaching the students as they offered energy-efficient tips and illustrated energy sources.

The activity was non-competitive. Therefore, students were not judged or ranked on the basis of their illustrations. Rather, each school (and student) was awarded a Certificate of Participation, while each student along with his/her teacher was awarded a token of appreciation as an honorary “Energy Champion.”

Students and teachers were also treated to energy-conservation videos as they interacted in a lively discussion and quiz on what they had learned from the activity. Amidst the enthusiasm through the cheering and delight in participation, the children clearly demonstrated a sound understanding of energy efficiency and conservation, by their accuracy in answering questions and explaining their illustrations.

Under the theme, ‘Empowering our Sustainable Development,’ the GEA in the exercise of its mandate, continues to promote energy efficiency, energy conservation and the development and utilisation of alternative sources of energy.

Energy Week is consistent with Guyana’s energy thrust and Low Carbon Development Strategy. It serves as an annual feature that provides an additional platform which enables the GEA to fulfil part of its mandate by disseminating information essential to improving public awareness on sustainable energy, conservation and overall efficiency.

By Rabindra Rooplall