THREE years after its launch, Recover Guyana’s ‘Shout’ initiative continues to drive youth empowerment and environmental advocacy, fostering impactful sustainability projects across the country.

Initially envisioned as a platform for youth engagement, ‘Shout’ has since evolved into a nationwide movement, producing outstanding youth speakers and real-world environmental solutions. Two key projects that emerged from past competitions include: Water Purification and Sustainability Project – Created by the 2023 ‘Shout’ winner at Queen’s College, this initiative promotes access to clean water. The project was launched earlier this week at West Demerara Secondary School; Hydroponic School Garden – Established at Queen’s College last year, this project teaches students sustainable agriculture techniques, water conservation, and fresh food production.

Recognising its impact, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) named ‘Shout’ one of the top ten regional projects under its Green Minds programme, which focuses on education and environmental initiatives.

SHOUT 3.0 – THE 2025 COMPETITION
Set to challenge and inspire the next generation of environmental leaders, ‘Shout 2025’ features a four-phase competition designed to test creativity, critical thinking, and advocacy skills: Phase One – Video Submission: Secondary schools submit a one-minute video answering: “What is one major sustainable change you would make to your school’s environment if given $1 million?” The top 30 schools advance.

Meanwhile, Phase Two – Prepared Speech: Selected students deliver 90-second speeches, presenting well-researched environmental solutions. The top 10 schools move forward. Phase Three – Impromptu Speech: Participants respond to spontaneous environmental questions from a selection panel; and Phase Four – Grand Finale: The top three finalists answer a comprehensive environmental question, showcasing their depth of knowledge, persuasive skills, and real-world problem-solving abilities.

A GROWING MOVEMENT FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Founder and President of Recover Guyana, Dr. Dave Lalltoo, reflected on how ‘Shout’ has grown beyond expectations.
“Shout has ignited a passion for sustainability, leading to the creation of environmental clubs in schools across the country, where young people actively contribute to the cause,” Dr. Lalltoo said.

He also highlighted the pivotal role of the Ministry of Education (MoE) in expanding the initiative’s reach.

EXCITING PRIZES FOR PARTICIPANTS
This year’s ‘Shout’ competition will reward participants with GY $4 million in cash and prizes: The winning school will receive GY $1 million for an environmental advancement project, one year of free One Fiber Internet, and the winning teacher will enjoy a trip to Kaieteur Falls; First, second, and third place winners will receive cash prizes, laptops, green awards, and one year of free Fiber Internet; County winners will receive the ExxonMobil Guyana County Winner Green Innovation Award and $100,000 in branded credit from SEVA Marketing Inc.

Representing the Ministry of Education, Assistant Chief Education Officer-Secondary (ACEO-S), Sherwyn Blackman, reaffirmed the Ministry’s continued support for ‘Shout’.
“The fact that this competition gives our young people the opportunity to sound their voice and advocate for something they believe in, is worth celebrating,” Blackman said.

With its expanding reach and increasing impact, ‘Shout’ continues to shape young environmental advocates, empowering the next generation to lead sustainable change in Guyana.
For more information on Shout 3.0, persons can visit Recover Guyana’s website: https://www.recoverguyana.org/shout-2025