Public Affairs Minister opens Reading and Robotics Programme in Lethem

-in partnership with STEMGuyana, other sponsors

Georgetown, Guyana – (April 8, 2019) Minister of Public Affairs, Mrs. Dawn Hastings-Williams, on Thursday, declared open the Lethem Reading and Robotics Programme, which is being hosted at the Lethem Library, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine).  The programme, which is sponsored by the Ministry of the Presidency’s Department of Youth, the Ministry of Education and ExxonMobil in collaboration with STEMGuyana, saw participation from more than 70 community members including local leaders, parents, students and teachers.

Minister of Public Affairs, Mrs. Dawn Hastings -Williams, STEMGuyana Trainer Ms. Aiesha Peters and one of the students who is participating in the workshop.

This Arapaima Primary School assembles her robot as two younger students look on.

This little girl was excited to show her robot to Minister of Public Affairs, Mrs. Dawn Hastings -Williams at the launch of the Lethem Reading and Robotics Programme.

These students were eager to start building their robots.

Minister Hastings-Williams said that she was pleased that the town’s children were being given the opportunity to benefit from Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education and tech literacy.

“It gives me great satisfaction to witness how the hinterland children and youth of today are afforded more opportunities to develop their skills, abilities and competencies in STEM,” she said in her feature address at the launch.

The Minister also noted that the programme forms part of the wider Government policy to ensure that all of Guyana’s children have access to the education, knowledge and skills that they need to develop critical thinking-skills and to become innovative, productive citizens who can compete in this fast-paced technological age.

“The government through its actions, has shown its support and commitment towards the development of our young people.  These initiatives tell us that when we invest in our youths, a win-win scenario is the result. We will continue working towards the development and prosperity of Guyana’s youths,” Minister Hastings-Williams said.

Mayor of Lethem, His worship, John Macedo expressed similar sentiments.  He also urged the youths to capitalize on the opportunity to learn as they are the future of their town and region.

Meanwhile, oil company ExxonMobil sponsored seven library programmes and donated two laptop computers, three robot kits and five tablet computers to the Lethem Library.  Representative Ms. Suzanne De’Abreu said the company is pleased to partner with STEMGuyana to launch the programme.

“Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics is important to us globally… and ExxonMobil will continue to support the economic and social advancements of youth and STEM education here in Guyana,” she said.

Town Clerk, Ms. Keisha Williams; Deputy Regional Executive Officer – Planning Ms. Trudy Mc. Curchin; Regional Executive Officer – Administration, Ms. Alicia Gomes and Regional Chairman, Mr. Bryan Allicock also attended the launch.