As Guyana undergoes rapid transformation driven by its oil wealth, ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge said the company is increasing investment not only in operations but also in education, sustainability and community development.
Speaking on Friday at the launch of the FLOW Water Purification and Sustainability Initiative, Routledge announced that ExxonMobil Guyana and the ExxonMobil Foundation are advancing a STEM education programme, including plans to establish a STEM Centre at the University of Guyana.
The initiative forms part of the Greater Guyana Initiative, a 10-year, $20 billion commitment by Stabroek Block co-venturers ExxonMobil Guyana, Hess and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited to support projects aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening communities.
Routledge said the STEM programme, launched earlier this year, will strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics education from the primary to tertiary level.
He noted that STEM kits are already being distributed to schools nationwide, while teachers will receive additional training and resources to make lessons more practical and engaging.
He added that the proposed STEM Centre at the University of Guyana will serve as a national hub for education, training and innovation in the field.
Routledge also highlighted the FLOW initiative, which is rolling out solar-powered water purification systems to secondary, TVET and special education schools across the country.
“Access to clean drinking water may seem like a simple thing, but it makes a huge difference. It helps students stay healthy, focused in the classroom and able to perform at their very best,” he said.
He said the programme underscores the importance of partnerships between the private sector, government, educators and civil society in supporting national development.
Routledge commended the Ministry of Education and implementing partner Recover Guyana for keeping the initiative on track as systems continue to be rolled out nationwide.
