– encourages eco-awareness through storytelling

IN a vibrant celebration of World Turtle Day 2025, the Environmental Management Consultants (EMCF) Foundation has unveiled a powerful new tool for environmental education and inclusion, an audio series and audiobook version of its beloved children’s story, Arya Takes A Swim.

Launched at the Umana Yana last week, the initiative brought together schoolchildren, educators, conservationists, and dignitaries, including First Lady Arya Ali, the namesake of the green sea turtle central to the story. Originally released as a children’s book in March last year, Arya Takes A Swim was inspired by the Turtle Telemetry Programme at the Shell Beach Protected Area, where seven sea turtles, including five leatherbacks, one hawksbill, and a green turtle named Arya, were tagged to track their migration and to support conservation research.
The transformation of the story into an audiobook and audio series marks a meaningful evolution in the EMCF’s conservation education efforts — one that the First Lady described as “a testament to how far we’ve come, and how much we can accomplish when education, culture and conservation are combined in creative ways.”

What makes this new format especially impactful is its accessibility and inclusiveness. Now available in both English and Arawak/Lokono, the project not only preserves indigenous languages but also reflects the diverse voices of Guyana’s cultural tapestry. “When children hear a story that speaks to their own world, filled with familiar animals, landscapes, and language, they are more likely to understand, care, and act,” Mrs Ali said in her remarks, praising the EMC Foundation’s thoughtful and inclusive approach.

The audiobook is also accessible to persons with disabilities, a move hailed as a significant step forward in ensuring no one is left behind in the journey of learning and discovery. By harnessing the power of storytelling, the series captures the imagination, connects emotionally with listeners and encourages a deeper awareness of Guyana’s natural heritage.

Backed by REEL Guyana and supported by the British High Commission through its Sustainable Blue Economies – Blue Social Challenge Fund, the project seeks to embed conservation values early in life. In partnership with the Ministry of Education, the audiobook and audio series will be distributed to schools and communities across Guyana. It will also feature prominently on local radio stations, broadening its reach to even the most remote areas.

For Mrs Ali, this initiative is a reflection of the collective effort needed to protect the planet. “Environmental work is not done in isolation,” she reminded attendees. “It requires collaboration, community, and compassion.”

As Guyana’s children listened intently at the launch, surrounded by colourful turtle-themed displays and the excitement of learning something new, one message stood out clearly: The future of conservation depends on the hearts and minds of the next generation.

“Let us continue to give them tools that inform, inspire, and empower them,” said the First Lady, “so they may grow into the leaders and innovators our planet needs.”
Ready to dive into Arya’s adventure? The audio series and audiobook can be accessed via the EMC Foundation’s Facebook page or at www.emcfoundation.gy/arya-takes-a-swim-audio-book.