THE University of Guyana, in collaboration with Halliburton, hosted day two of its children’s workshop on the science of energy.

The programme was launched as an effort to afford children ages 9-14 the opportunity to learn about the oil and gas industry in a child-friendly environment. The children were able to receive knowledge on where oil comes from.

Professor Paloma Mohamed, who spoke on the success of day one of the workshop, stated that she is anticipating an even more successful day two of the workshop. She encouraged the children to make the best of the opportunity, try to learn as much as they can and ensure they ask questions and get clarification on the oil and gas sector.

Country manager of Halliburton Landmark Caribbean, Fabiola Martinez, told the students of her experience being in the oil and gas sector, using the example that she is afforded the opportunity to come and make a positive impact on the lives of the future generation due to her job.

Celia Garcia-James hosted an interactive exercise with the children where she equipped them with the knowledge of what is gas, where it comes from and the process it goes through. She explained energy to the children and the importance of conserving energy, and the impact it would have on the environment and each individual.

The children were given a simple explanation on the process of oil exploration using child friendly activities.

Garcia-James further went on to speak on the importance the oil industry played in saving the lives of whales. She explained to the children that previously, persons would hunt whales to use them as a means of fuel and since the emergence of the oil industry, the hunting of whales has significantly dropped.

The children participated in several activities where they were given the chance to interact with sedimentation and they were able to conduct an experiment with natural gas.
Garcia-James’ son Sebastian, spoke on his experience living close to an oil and gas field.

He explained that the time period for power outages is minimized due to them wanting to ensure the oil companies always have access to electricity to maintain their operations. He further stated that the oil and gas companies put in place measures to develop children within the community in both academics and sports.

“Take advantage of the opportunities that will come to you… be prepared, honouring your God, respecting your parents and teachers, helping one another as fellow citizens and studying hard to build your community, the future of Guyana is in your hands,” said Sebastian in a word of encouragement to the children present at Wednesday’s event.