THE Environmental Management Consultants (EMCF) Foundation recently presented more than 1,000 flash drives containing the Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook to Deputy Chief Education Officer (DCEO) Amerindian and Hinterland Education Development, Marti DeSouza.

This initiative, according to the EMC, is a meaningful one that supports the integration of environmental conservation into Guyana’s school curriculum, while promoting the preservation and revitalisation of Indigenous languages.

The flash drives contain the audio series and audiobook in English and Arawak. The content was designed to raise awareness on sea turtle conservation among students and communities, while also celebrating linguistic and cultural heritage.

EMC Foundation’s founder and director Shyam Nokta, during the presentation noted that the translation of the book into Arawak expands its accessibility to students. He announced plans to translate the story into other Indigenous languages across Guyana.

Furthermore, DeSouza lauded the initiative as a beautiful and innovative way of preserving the languages and growing interest in Indigenous languages.
The Ministry of Education will be distributing the flash drives to nursery, primary and secondary schools across Guyana, further ensuring that each region has access to this engaging environmental education resource.
The Arya Takes A Swim audiobook project was implemented by the EMCF, with support from the British High Commission and was funded through the Blue Social Challenge Fund, a flagship element of the UK’s Sustainable Blue Economies programme.

The original book was launched in March 2024, and sought to highlight turtle tagging in Guyana, as well as the significance of preserving the country’s untouched beaches and natural surroundings.