Georgetown, Guyana – In a groundbreaking initiative, the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD), in collaboration with the Exceptional Learners Centre of Region Two and ExxonMobil Guyana, has launched a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) club aimed at empowering children with disabilities.
The launch, which took place this week, marks a significant step in providing inclusive educational opportunities for children with special needs in Region Two. The STEM club is part of a broader programme spearheaded by GCOPD and supported by ExxonMobil to introduce children with disabilities to the world of robotics and STEM concepts while fostering critical life skills such as problem-solving and teamwork.
According to GCOPD Programme Manager Ganesh Singh, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap in STEM education for children with disabilities who have often been overlooked in traditional learning environments. “Through this programme, we aim to expose these children to basic robotics and coding while helping them develop critical thinking skills,” Singh explained.
The new club builds on the success of similar initiatives across the country, where STEM clubs have been established in Special Education Needs (SEN) schools and resource units. Over the past three years, more than 200 children from nine SEN schools have benefited from these programmes.
ExxonMobil Guyana’s President, Alistair Routledge, highlighted the company’s commitment to fostering inclusion through education. “The STEM programme is one of our key corporate social responsibility focus areas,” Routledge stated. “We are proud to support initiatives like this that empower young minds and prepare them for a future where they can contribute meaningfully to society.”
The Exceptional Learners Centre in Region Two will serve as a hub for this new club, offering hands-on activities that introduce participants to robotics and other STEM-related fields. The programme also aims to raise environmental awareness among its participants while equipping them with skills that can lead to innovative solutions for everyday challenges.
Parents and educators have welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that it will unlock new opportunities for children with disabilities and inspire them to reach their full potential. Plans are already underway to expand the programme further by incorporating additional resources and developing specialized clubs for children on the autism spectrum.
This initiative underscores the importance of inclusive education in Guyana and demonstrates how public-private partnerships can create meaningful change for underserved communities. As the STEM club begins its journey in Region Two, it promises not only to educate but also to empower children with disabilities, paving the way for a brighter future.
