– Forum highlights youth participation in building a technologically advanced Guyana

THE Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) continues to make tangible progress in advancing education and healthcare while promoting sustainable economic diversification and national development.

On Friday, the initiative hosted its annual Stakeholder Forum at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Georgetown, bringing together policymakers, educators, and students for robust discussions centred on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Held under the theme “Rooted in Community, Rising Together, Investing in Tomorrow’s Possibilities,” this year’s forum underscored the importance of equipping young people with the skills and mindset needed to drive Guyana’s technological future.

A key highlight of the event was a panel discussion titled “Youth in STEM: Transforming Guyana’s Technological Landscape, Building a Solid Future for Tomorrow.”

The session was complemented by a STEM Mingle segment, which provided students from secondary schools, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, and the University of Guyana with the opportunity to engage in informal tabletop discussions with industry professionals.

Participating schools included The Bishops’ High School, Richard Ishmael Secondary, St. Rose’s High, President’s College, Cummings Lodge Secondary, St. Stanislaus College, New Central High, North Georgetown Secondary, and several others.

The panel featured five professionals from diverse STEM backgrounds: Jayda Overton, Nalini Chanderban, Farah Jairam, Carlos Baird, and Deedra Moe, who shared valuable insights on career development, innovation, and community impact.

Air Emissions Advisor at ExxonMobil Guyana, Farah Jairam, encouraged students to remain curious and actively seek hands-on experiences.

“Reading something is different from actually seeing it in action. When you see something in action, it sparks interest, you want to learn more, to see how it operates, and that sort of knowledge will guide you,” she said.

TVET educator and welding instructor Carlos Baird emphasised the growing demand for skilled trades and technical expertise.

“TVET possesses so much skill set. So much skills are required at this time. Welding is number one — electrical, plumbing, engineering, mathematics, IT, carpentry — those areas are wide and extensive, not only at the technical level but at the school level,” he stated, noting that fields such as agriculture and hospitality are also gaining traction among Guyanese youth.

In aviation, General Manager of the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School (AWHWAES), Nalini Chanderban, encouraged students to consider aviation engineering as a viable pathway.

She explained that the school’s four-year programme integrates technical modules across sectors, offering both theoretical and practical learning experiences through internships and on-the-job training.

“It gives you a chance to think, and it gives industry a chance to select… So, you see the opportunity in the learning process,” Chanderban noted.

Meanwhile, ExxonMobil Guyana’s Global Director of Socio-economic Management, Deedra Moe, identified key barriers hindering youth participation in STEM, including limited awareness, lack of access to resources, and insufficient exposure to opportunities.

Echoing similar sentiments, University of Guyana economics major, Jayda Overton, highlighted the need for stronger outreach and inclusion of rural and hinterland youth, as well as persons with disabilities.

“So, you need to provide access to these conversations, internships, mentorships and sponsorships. And sometimes young people aren’t even aware of the opportunities that are there. So, there’s no scope for them to dive in or to check in,” Overton said while stressing the importance of engagement and outreaches in these communities.