WE hope by now the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is on the verge of becoming a household name for you, our valuable readers, as well as your family and friends. This week’s article seeks to give exclusive insights into some of our work conducted with the children and youths during this period. The aim is to increase awareness and promote positive attitudes towards the environment.

This article will focus on how the Environmental Communication, Education and Awareness Programme Area (ECEAP) of the EPA engaged with children and youths during this vacation period. The work of this programme area is to primarily promote an understanding and appreciation for the natural environment through the provision of education and communication tools and materials for all strata of the Guyanese population. With schools and anmost of the formal education programmes out, a high volume of requests were received by the Agency from both governmental and non-governmental organisations to either facilitate or co-facilitate environmental day camps. The EPA is very appreciative of the opportunities to collaborate and is delightful that environmental awareness formed a core component of the camps programmes across the country.

A glimpse of what we’ve been up to!

Guyana’s Zoological Park Camp
“Zoo Camp,” as it is popularly referred to, was one of the many environmentally tailored day camp sessions, where the EPA was asked to conduct sessions. A session was facilitated by an officer of the EPA which targeted children aged 11-14 years, who were edified about the work of the Agency and its role in environmental protection. This sparked some interesting discussions among students who were eager to learn more about the Agency’s work and how we carry out our day-to-day field operations. During the presentation, participants were shown equipment used to monitor and control pollution and the various ways in which the Agency carries out its mandate, such as using legal instruments, and conducting site visits before a permit is issued to a developer.

Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN) Summer Camp
Being a proactive youth environment organisation, the CYEN has launched yet another year of its annual “Eco Change Makers Camp.” Lasting for one week, each across three regions of the country (Regions Three, Four and 10), this camp experience targets children aged 6-15 years and gives them the chance to explore the many and exciting facets of our environment. Thus far, the EPA facilitated a session on the ever so interesting topic of Climate Change, and is expected to facilitate other sessions as the camp sessions continue. Students used the arts to showcase their ideas of environmental protection.

Young and Thoughtful Youth Camp
An invitation was extended by this vibrant Region 10 (Linden) based youth organisation. A full two-day session was facilitated by the Agency, specifically designed to target fifty (50) students and young adults ranging from ages 10-20. Sessions on Pollution Control and Monitoring were conducted with participants, giving them a clear insight to the Agency’s mandate. Most excitingly, they got the opportunity to live the life of an Environmental Officer for that day by taking a hands-on approach and being exposed to the work routine of such an officer. Participants were involved in carrying out basic water-quality testing for parameters like pH, temperature and turbidity. There were taught basic field observation and data-recording skills. Sessions on how to create green spaces and the importance of good waste management practices were also conducted.

Guyana’s National Museum Taxidermy Camp
A regular camp this time of year, Guyana’s National Museum offers students a unique experience into the taxidermy world, and an even more unique opportunity to learn about the environment, conservation and protection. The EPA was invited to facilitate two sessions: one targeting children aged 8-10 and the other 11-14 years. So far, one camp session was conducted by the Agency, which saw students learning about pollution control.

President’s Youth Award Guyana
The Agency has once again been invited by PYARG to facilitate four of its camp sessions. The camp which focuses on skill-building and social development of youth, has fittingly incorporated environmental awareness into its programme. The ECEAP has made intervention in one session thus far and is keen on making inroads for the remaining camps.

Guyana Girl Guides
With much focus being placed on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and moreso encouraging women and girls to participate in the science field, the Agency was pleased to receive an invitation from the Guyana Girl Guides Association to deliver an interactive presentation on careers in environmental sciences.

The Agency would like to give kudos to the organisers of PYARG, Taxidermy, CYEN, Zoo, Young and Thoughtful and Girl Guides camps for recognising the value of environmental education and awareness to the development of our children and youths. If you didn’t get the opportunity to invite us to your camp this holiday season, you can still invite us to your school, group, institution, organisation, community, etc. throughout the year.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.