The Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) in partnership with the University of Guyana launched its Third Annual Regional Accelerator for STEM Students Readiness (RASSR) Camp, on July 14, 2024, at the University of Guyana. The Camp is designed to identify, mentor, and develop young minds from across Guyana’s 10 Administrative Regions, who are passionate about and positioned to propel Guyana’s future development.
This programme is nurturing 100 young minds annually, in key areas such as Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Integrated Science, Technology, and Engineering. During the camp, participants career interests are skillfully integrated into the curriculum, while teachers are exposed to innovative teaching methods in STEM education.
In her remarks, Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr Paloma Mohamed-Martin explained that the uniqueness of the camp lies in its ability to bring together young people from across Guyana – from diverse backgrounds and schools, and with differing experiences and career interests. Over the course of two weeks, the students will develop new skills and enhance their knowledge about STEM, while building lasting relationships, Dr. Martin stated.
The Vice Chancellor explained that over 70% of participants have consistently expressed interest in STEM careers, which is in keeping with the mandate of the UG-RASSR programme, to find the best young minds in STEM from around Guyana to strengthen the pipeline for specialization.
President of ExxonMobil Guyana Ltd., Alistair Routledge, in his remarks, commended RASSR’s success over the years, reminding those in attendance that the future of Guyana’s sustainability lies within its people. He encouraged participants to use the next two weeks to be curious, explore as much as they possibly can and engage with teachers and trainers, to acquire invaluable life skills, while also emphasizing the importance of Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics in today’s world.
Routledge further posited that “If you really want to understand the world and build a sustainable economy in the future, we all know that technology plays a bigger part in making the economies function well and making our economies competitive, but also giving all of us more fulfilling careers.”
The UG-RASSR Camp is a five year all expense paid advanced experiential learning opportunity, that mentors and supports students through a sustained programme. The programme’s objective is to stimulate interest in higher education and provide engaging opportunities for students to interact with each other, while learning and applying scientific principles in STEM.
The Greater Guyana Initiative partnership with the University of Guyana is a demonstration of the Stabroek Block Coventurers’ commitment to Guyana’s development.