–with launch of new club in Region Two

THE Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD), in collaboration with the Exceptional Learners Centre in Region Two and supported by ExxonMobil Guyana, has launched a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) club tailored for children with disabilities.

This initiative, according to a press release, is part of GCOPD’s broader STEM programme aimed at empowering children with disabilities across Guyana through exposure to robotic technology and STEM concepts while fostering critical life skills.

The launch of the event featured remarks from key stakeholders, including Lasawhna Prescott, Community Relations Adviser at ExxonMobil Guyana; Ganesh Singh, GCOPD Programme Manager; Vilma De Silva, Chairperson of Region Two’s Regional Democratic Council; and Shabana Prashad, Headteacher of the Exceptional Learners Centre.
Prescott emphasised the importance of inclusion in STEM education, stating that the programme breaks barriers and creates opportunities for children with disabilities to explore their passions and develop essential skills for the future.

Singh highlighted the transformative impact of the STEM programme on participants’ lives, noting its role in nurturing critical thinking and teamwork skills.
The new STEM club is one of several established under GCOPD’s initiative, which has been active since February 2020.

Supported by ExxonMobil Guyana, the programme has introduced children with disabilities to robotic technology, coding, environmental awareness, and other STEM-related areas in Special Education Needs (SEN) schools and resource units nationwide.

Beyond technical skills, participants also gain life skills such as public speaking and problem-solving to prepare them for independent and productive futures.
The Exceptional Learners Centre’s Headteacher expressed gratitude for the establishment of the club at her school, underscoring its potential to empower students through innovative learning methods. Teachers, students, parents, and members of the Region Two disability community attended the launch ceremony.

GCOPD’s STEM programme has reached hundreds of children across Guyana through various phases since its inception.