THE Volunteer Youth Corps Inc. (VYC) on Thursday received a generous donation from ExxonMobil Guyana of G$15M to fund its Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) after-school programme for the 2020-2021 school year.

This new commitment, VYC noted, is a part of an ongoing cooperation between VYC and ExxonMobil, which funds an Online programme to reach children during COVID-related shutdowns. VYC hopes to transition to hands-on after-school lessons once the country returns to normalcy.

VYC rose to the challenge of the pandemic-related shutdowns to connect students Online via ZOOM and other platforms, as well as provide laptops and other devices to those students who did not have one. Teachers have also been equipped to teach their classes Online from the safety of their own homes.

VYC Chief Executive Officer Goldie Scott in brief remarks said, “Volunteer Youth Corps Inc. anticipates the programme will still be able to achieve its objective to improve the skills and general educational competence of high school students through exciting and fun ways.”

Scott disclosed that some 500+ high school students at 11 high schools, including VYC’s Academy in Georgetown, will benefit from the programmes in the upcoming school year. Since it came on boar with the organisation back in 2012, ExxonMobil has contributed more than G$74B to VYC’s STEM after-school education programme.

According to Deedra Moe, Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs at ExxonMobil Guyana, ExxonMobil Guyana is proud to partner with VYC to enable Guyanese students to keep up with their lessons during these challenging times. “Educating our youth develops the leaders of tomorrow, and STEM plays a critical role,” she said.
The VYC is a non-profit and non-governmental organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth through access to quality education and social services in Guyana.