EXXONMOBIL Guyana has plugged $20.9 million to support the Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) education afterschool programme in Guyana.
According to Volunteer Youth Corps Inc. (VYC), this new commitment will ensure the improvement and continuity of online afterschool academic classes for 700 students at 15 high schools in Regions Three and Four. Initially, the programme was geared to assist students in grades nine to 11, a release said. However, for the first time, VYC will additionally cater for students and teachers in grades Seven and Eight. Chief Executive Officer, Goldie Scott, said the VYC was able to rise to the task of connecting students in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We have been able to support students and teachers during this difficult time by connecting them via ZOOM and other platforms, as well as providing laptops, tablets and other devices,” she added. This year, in an effort to encourage academic growth, VYC will loan 150 tablets to disadvantaged students under the programme to ensure they are able to participate in the online classes as well as sustain or improve their performances.

Students will also be able to view recorded class sessions via VYC’s social media platforms, the release said. Meanwhile, VYC awarded Deandre Serieux, a former student of Central High School and beneficiary of the programme, one HP laptop. Deandre gained 10 grade ones and a grade two in his 2016 CSEC examinations. VYC congratulated Deandre on his outstanding performance. The STEM Afterschool programme has been implemented under the funding of ExxonMobil Guyana since 2012, contributing nearly GYD$100 million to date. The programme is also supported by the Ministry of Education. The Volunteer Youth Corps Inc (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.
The organisation continues to advance the development of children through its ongoing educational services to public schools in Guyana. Through partnership, VYC is looking to broaden its reach to educate and improve the grades of as many students as possible.