Students in Region One are set to benefit from a newly launched environmental curriculum aimed at strengthening their understanding of local wildlife, landscapes and Indigenous culture.
The programme, titled “My Barima–Waini and Me: Our Culture, Landscapes and Wildlife,” introduces students to the unique biodiversity and cultural heritage of the region while encouraging environmental stewardship from an early age.
The initiative was developed through collaboration between the South Rupununi Conservation Society and the Guyana Marine Conservation Society, with support from environmental advocate Annette Arjoon.
The curriculum blends scientific knowledge with traditional Indigenous understanding, ensuring that students learn about their environment through both academic and community perspectives.
The programme has already seen success in Region Nine, where more than 2,000 students have participated, and its introduction in Region One marks another step in expanding environmental education to communities across Guyana.
Exposing children to their natural surroundings helps build a deeper connection to the ecosystems around them while encouraging the next generation to take an active role in protecting the country’s biodiversity.
Executive member of the South Rupununi Conservation Society, Maya De Freitas, highlighted the importance of helping children become familiar with the wildlife found in their own country.
“A lot more students knew about giraffes and elephants, but they didn’t really know so much about species that are native to Guyana,” she said, explaining that the curriculum was designed to address that gap by helping students develop a greater appreciation for the plants and animals that exist within their own communities.
The programme will continue to expand to other regions as resources become available, with the long-term goal of reaching students across the country and strengthening environmental awareness nationwide.