A $1 million environmental project designed by a fifth-form student has been launched at Skeldon Line Path Secondary School, transforming part of the institution into a more sustainable space through solar power, recycled materials and urban gardening.
The Skeldon Line Path Secondary School EcoHub Project was officially launched on Wednesday through a partnership between Recover Guyana, the Ministry of Education and ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL).
The project was conceived by 2026 SHOUT national winner Randy Mangal, a fifth-form student of the school, following his winning entry in SHOUT4Change, Guyana’s National Youth Environmental Speech Competition.
The fourth annual competition challenged secondary school students to develop practical, STEM-based solutions to environmental challenges at their schools in response to the question: “What sustainable changes would you make to your school’s environment should you be given one million dollars to do so?”
According to Recover Guyana, more than 70 submissions were received for this year’s competition, with 20 students advancing as national finalists.
Mangal’s proposal focused on addressing waste management and environmental neglect at Skeldon Line Path Secondary through beautification, improved maintenance, upcycling and the use of sustainable materials.

The completed EcoHub features a solar-powered charging station, outdoor furniture constructed from recycled materials, and a hanging garden containing both decorative and edible plants.
The original proposal centred on creating a functional space where students could sit and relax, with seating made from recycled tyres and other repurposed materials. The solar-powered charging hub was subsequently incorporated into the design, providing students and staff with a renewable source of electricity on the school compound.
Mangal advanced through the competition’s three subsequent phases before being named the 2026 national winner, allowing him to see his proposed project implemented at his school.
Dr Omesh Balmacoon, First Vice-President and co-founder of Recover Guyana, said the project demonstrated the organisation’s commitment to providing young people with the resources and opportunities to turn environmental ideas into practical solutions.
“SHOUT was never just about a speech or a competition day, it was about giving our youth the resources and the platform to actually fix what they see wrong in their own school environment,” Dr Balmacoon said.
He said Mangal had identified problems including waste, neglect and the absence of adequate green and functional spaces, and developed practical and sustainable responses to those challenges.
Lashawna Prescott, Community Relations Advisor at ExxonMobil Guyana, said the company’s support for the initiative was linked to its emphasis on STEM education and problem-solving.
“This is why we are proud to support initiatives that empower young people to think creatively and take action in their communities,” Prescott said.
She added that ExxonMobil Guyana was proud to continue its partnership with Recover Guyana and sponsor SHOUT for the third consecutive year.
Regional Executive Officer of Region Six, Ronald Harsawack, who also addressed the launch, described the EcoHub as a response to an emerging environmental challenge and an example of what can be achieved through a clear vision and commitment to sustainability.
The SHOUT competition was first held in 2023, when Vasanna Persaud of Queen’s College was named the inaugural national winner. Her winning project resulted in the establishment of a water-purification initiative aimed at reducing plastic bottle waste at the school.
Subsequent Queen’s College winners Gabriella Arjun and Anushka Singh launched a hydroponics kitchen garden and a cycle-smart initiative, respectively.
Mangal’s EcoHub now adds another student-led environmental project to the growing list of initiatives being implemented in schools across Guyana.
The 2026 competition also received support from One Communications, Scotiabank Guyana Inc., Flawless Dental GY, Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel, GuyOil, Massy Stores Guyana, Pixel Perfect Productions, SEVA Marketing Inc., ELEVATE and Anthony Indar Photography.
Recover Guyana said SHOUT 2027 is scheduled to launch in February 2027, marking the final edition of the national youth environmental speech competition.