—141 secondary schools, 10 TVET institutions, and four special needs schools to benefit from solar-powered water purification systems

A transformative initiative dubbed Project Flow has been launched by Recover Guyana, in collaboration with the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) and the Ministry of Education (MoE), to provide clean, purified water to students across Guyana while promoting environmental sustainability.

Described as a “national movement for health and stability”, Project Flow will equip 141 secondary schools, ten technical and vocational education training (TVET) institutions, and four special needs schools with solar-powered water purification systems. The initiative aims to create a cleaner, healthier school environment while reducing plastic pollution and advancing innovation through education.

According to Assistant Chief Education Officer (ACEO) for Secondary, Sherwyn Blackman, the project represents the power of innovation and perseverance.

“This is a simple testimony of having an idea, noting it, and working towards ensuring it is advocated for, for it to blossom,” he said.

Blackman recalled that the idea for the water purification system was conceptualised by former Queen’s College student, Vasanna Persaud, who won the inaugural Shout Initiative by Recover Guyana in March 2023. The pilot began at Queen’s College, expanded to the West Demerara Secondary School, and has now evolved into a nationwide movement that will benefit students across all regions.

The project’s primary goal is to reduce plastic waste by encouraging students to use refillable bottles, with the target of eliminating approximately 25 million plastic bottles by 2030. Using data-driven solutions and sustainable designs, the initiative promotes a culture of environmental responsibility and innovation among students.

Blackman noted that the project also brings a range of benefits to the Ministry of Education.

“It stands in the pillar of health and environment. We all know, as we say, water is life. It helps us to maintain our structure, our daily lives, by just having an opportunity to have pure water—and pure water for free,” he emphasised.

In addition to promoting health and sustainability, Project Flow will support Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning, as well as TVET programmes such as home economics. It also complements the Ministry’s national physical education initiative held on Friday afternoons by ensuring students stay hydrated during sports and physical activities.

Moreover, the initiative seeks to foster volunteerism and community engagement among students. Blackman explained that the project encourages young people to take what they learn in schools and apply it within their communities.

“Rooted in this project are opportunities for children to develop their skills in volunteerism—finding ways to move the water purification system from schools into their communities, as they continue to benefit,” he said.

Through Project Flow, education, innovation, and environmental responsibility are being seamlessly connected—creating a generation of Guyanese students who are not only healthier, but also more aware of their role in building a sustainable future.