THE July/August vacation period is about to begin, and many parents are searching for a fun activity that will advance their child/ children’s skills, whether academically, or technical/vocational.
The Emeritus Professor Doris Rogers Art Programme hosted by the university’s Faculty of Education and Humanities will run from July 7 to 17, 2026, and July 20 to 31, 2026, at the Turkeyen Campus. The sessions will be held from 09:00hrs to noon.
Coordinator for the university’s Art Department, and Coordinator of the Emeritus Professor Doris Rogers Art Programme, Michael Khan, revealed that this is the 11th year that the programme is being held.
He also revealed that the programme was named after Emeritus Professor Doris Rogers, who served as a professor at the University of Guyana.
According to him, the programme allows children from ages five to seventeen years old to attend the daily recreation art workshops where they will be engaged in activities such as painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, textile, jewellery making, candle making, resin epoxy letters, tie dye, rock art and fun and games.
“Now the resin, we are going to just do one activity with the resin, because we can’t afford to get enough resin for everyone…that is what we’re going to do, which we call mini courses, a mini course in resin, a mini course in candle making, and a mini course in sculpture construction,” he said.
The coordinator further explained that when this initiative was started 11 years ago, only 24 children enrolled. Over the years, there has been a notable constant increase in attendees.
Last year, 98 participants were enrolled in the programme which was held in August. This year, that number is expected to increase as among those participating will be learners from Marian Academy, The Bishops’ High School and Queen’s College.
The university provides all materials, and the registration fee goes towards the purchasing of those materials.
Khan emphasised that every year, they try to introduce new materials to the participants, so that they can benefit, and have a clearer understanding of art.
“Some children do not like to draw, but they’re good with ceramics, and they can bring out their forms and shape through that. So, we cater for children. Some like construction…we can get pieces of wood, cut wood, and they assemble it into a standing sculpture,” he said.
The instructors for the Art Programme are students from the University of Guyana, who are reading for their degrees. The team comprises Natasha Azeez and about six others. These students work with the children, and at the end of the programme they each receive a stipend for their efforts.
Further, Khan revealed that come next year, there are plans to host the Art Programme at the University of Guyana’s Tain Campus in Berbice, Region Six.
Registration forms for the programme are available at the Faculty of Education and Humanities office at the Turkeyen Campus, and cost 15,000. For more details, persons can contact Khan on (592) 647-8245.
