In an exciting celebration of creativity and innovation, Guyana recently hosted its largest-ever Guyana-Monaco Mousetrap Car Grand Prix Competition, drawing in over 600 eager participants at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. This event, organised by SBM Offshore Guyana in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, brought to life the incredible potential of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education for our youth.

STEM isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the backbone of innovation and economic development. Companies like ExxonMobil Guyana recognise this and have been supporting various educational initiatives. Over the years, they’ve backed programmes like The Family, Awareness, Consciousness & Togetherness (FACT) organisation’s after-school initiative, which aims to keep children in school and away from harmful activities by engaging them in STEM subjects.

The competition took this mission a step further, inviting students to design and build vehicles powered solely by a mousetrap, all while applying physics principles. The event featured three categories: Acceleration, Advanced, and Innovation and Creativity, showcasing the diverse talents of the participants.

Returning favourites like Abram Zuil Secondary and St. Rose’s High took home first places in the Acceleration and Advanced categories, respectively. However, the highlight of the day was undoubtedly the performance of Paramakatoi Secondary from Region Eight, a newcomer who won first place in the Innovation and Creativity category. Their ingenious design used Reed grass, a unique material tied to their cultural heritage that is used to craft arrows. It was a creative twist that genuinely caught the judges’ attention.

With Guyana experiencing significant economic growth with the advent of the oil and gas sector, the importance of STEM education cannot be overstated. ExxonMobil and other industry stakeholders are committed to ensuring that the young minds in Guyana have the skills necessary to thrive in this evolving landscape. The winners received trophies, medals and $350,000 to bolster their schools’ science laboratories.

John Thomas, a student from Marian Academy, aptly noted, “I believe this competition increases morale, competitiveness, and engineering.” His enthusiasm reflects the sentiment of many participants who were inspired and motivated by the event.

Not to be overlooked, schools like Johanna Cecilia Secondary and Friendship Secondary also made their mark, showcasing their talents and creativity across various categories.
It is clear that the Mousetrap Car Competition is more than just a fun challenge; it’s a stepping stone towards a brighter future for our youth and our nation. With the proper support and opportunities, perhaps one day, we will see Guyanese students leading innovative projects on a global scale.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.