–in its quest for solutions to everyday problems

SINCE its launch, STEMGuyana has been working to create innovative technology solutions to modern-day issues, as well as to integrate the use of technology into everyday situations.

Ever since the COVID-19 outbreak, half of the world has had to change the way they work, breaking the barrier of location as a primary staple for many jobs. This week, 15 Guyanese students who are the first cohort of STEMGuyana’s recently- launched ‘4-4-4’ programme.

“Whether they are building robot solutions, creating mobile ‘apps’ or building websites, our young people are talented enough to meet the needs of the global marketplace,” says STEMGuyana co-founder Karen Abrams. “We hope that this programme becomes a resounding success so that we can train more young people, and engage them to earn a decent living without having to move to more populated regions for employment. Ideally, technology should allow young people to stay in place and develop their own communities,” Abrams said in a news release.

The ‘4-4-4’ programme is the successor of a Website Development course hosted last summer by STEMGuyana in collaboration with Specialists in Sustained Youth Development and Research (SSYDR) and ExxonMobil.

Over 200 teenagers aged 15 – 19 across Guyana completed the course, and gained skills in developing WordPress websites. Fifteen of those teens who attended the course now have the opportunity of using their talents and providing their services to businesses in Guyana and the diaspora through the ‘4-4-4’ programme.
According to Abrams, the programme offers businesses a four-page website built within four days. Domain name hosting and registration for one year are included in the final product for a flat rate of US$400. A 50% deposit is required up-front after the details between the business owner and a business analyst are discussed and finalised. Business owners interested in using the services the programme offers can fill out a form to be scheduled for an interview to speak with a business analyst.
Another service offered by the programme is the option for business owners to learn how to update their website pages for an additional US$50. If they prefer, they can purchase an annual service plan for $US100, which comes with one monthly update.

So far, two accounts have been registered through the 4-4-4 programme, and four of the 15 students are currently working on it. The team at STEMGuyana expects that this quantity will increase with more outreach.

This expected increase seems inevitable, as the various programmes being offered by STEMGuyana have been expanding. The STEMGuyana team has confirmed that since its inception in 2016, the organisation has reached over 15,000 students across Guyana through various STEM programmes. Also, before COVID-19, the team says that about 6000 students were actively enrolled in activities, including those on the National Grade Six App (NGSA). This app provides practice past Grade 6 exams to students.

Businesses interested in the 4-4-4 programme can complete the application form, or send an email to stemguyana@gmail.com. To get involved with the clubs or learn more about the programmes on offer, visit www.stemguyana.com