RECOVER Guyana is one of the key local organisations that is actively fighting for environmental wellness, youth empowerment and a brighter, cleaner future for our country.

The work of the organisation is guided by a powerful principle, that is, impact must be measurable, inclusive, and sustainable.

This year, the focus was on strategically delivering solutions and strengthening communities, while also building systems that are going to serve Guyana in the years to come.

First, Recover Guyana provided access to clean drinking water through its Project Flow which is a National Water Purification and Sustainability Initiative that involves collaboration with the Greater Guyana Initiative and the Ministry of Education. This is a landmark multi-year programme that aims to expand access to potable water nationwide.

Project Flow is set to deliver solar-powered water-purification systems to over 100 public secondary schools, along with 10 technical and vocational education training institutions, and four special needs schools, reaching over 58,000 students.

In a video underscoring its impact, the Recover Guyana team said that these systems use advanced filtration technology powered by renewable energy, ensuring reliable, safe drinking water and at the same time, it promotes environmental stewardship.

Its secretary Francina Duncan said that by encouraging the use of reusable bottles, the project is projected to eliminate some 25 million single-use plastic bottles from landfills and waterways by the end of the programme.

Additionally, they recalled the evolution of youth leadership, described as a defining pillar of their work.

Strategic Development Director, Vishal Roopnarine, said, “Through Shout 3.0, students from across Guyana were given a national platform to speak on climate action, sustainability and environmental stewardship. From over 100 submissions, charter semifinalists competed live, inspiring schools to establish environmental clubs and take ownership of sustainability on their campuses.”

This programme, he said, awarded four million Guyana dollars in cash and prizes, including a million-dollar project grant to the winning school. According to him, this programme transforms ideas into action and elevates the voices of our youth into national conversations.

Through the ENGAGE project, the organisation was able to train and support 100 young entrepreneurs from Regions Three and Six, in sustainable business development, financial literacy, and mentorship. Participants of ENGAGE received GY$2 million in seed funding to launch eco-friendly enterprises across agriculture, renewable energy and environmental services.

This programme also equips young people with skills and confidence, enabling them to contribute in a meaningful way to a climate-resilient Guyana.

Alongside this, the organisation hosted the first National Youth Conference on Mangrove Conservation, bringing together more than 150 youth leaders, educators, scientists, environmental practitioners and policymakers from across Guyana.

Looking towards the future, Recover Guyana stated that it is preparing for an even greater year of impact come 2026.

Its Second Vice-President Naudya Hoosein said Shout 4.0 will be launched with an expanded national reach, delivering the largest youth-led environmental platform yet and deepening its impact across Guyana.

“The ENGAGE project will expand into Regions Two and Four, while participants in Regions Three and Six will benefit from refresher training to strengthen and scale their green enterprises. Project FLOW will move into full implementation, with water-purification systems commencing and being fully installed across Regions Three and Six, further advancing national access to clean drinking water,” Hoosein affirmed.

In addition to these flagship initiatives, the organisation will continue its cancer-survivor support programmes and deliver its annual Earth Day and World Food Day activities. This will ensure that community care, environmental action and sustainability remain at the heart of its work.

Because partnership is important to them, Recover Guyana extended appreciation to its government and private- sector partners which include the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, ExxonMobil Guyana, Scotiabank Guyana, and the Greater Guyana Initiative, among others.