ExxonMobil has contributed US$100 million (or more than G$20 billion) to a new initiative, part of President Dr Irfaan Ali’s ambitious agenda to transform the local education sector, focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The announcement was made during an engagement at the State House, hosted by President Ali and First Lady Arya Ali on Monday night.
“This is an outcome of one (international) visit in Houston— US$100 million coming back into our country for our children’s future.
“… Because of the strong partnership we have with Exxon, because of the alignment of our vision, they were able to understand why we need this and why they should invest in this,” President Ali said on Monday night.
President Ali has an ambitious goal of transforming local education.
Already, the Guyana Digital School has been launched; it provides accessible, high-quality education through online platforms. The institution offers flexible learning opportunities intended to complement traditional schooling and promote academic excellence among learners nationwide.
Days ago, the Guyana Technical Training College Inc. (GTTCI) Campus in Port Mourant, Region Six, officially opened. Built with world-class, state-of-the-art facilities, the institution will help mould a highly skilled Guyanese workforce who will secure high-income careers in technical and other advanced industries. Courses offered range from Production Technician Training to Instrumentation, Electrical, and Mechanical programmes, with each discipline further branching into its respective specialised fields.
With the US$100 million support, ExxonMobil is supporting the President’s goal.
“We look forward to seeing the vision laid out by your government unfold and to exploring innovative ways to collaborate even more,” President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Alistair Routledge said.
Meanwhile, ExxonMobil Chief Executive Officer, Darren Woods said, “Our goal is very simple: inspiring the next generation of Guyana’s engineers and scientists by working with the students and teachers who educate them.”
The company, in a release, highlighted the main pillars of the US$100 million support.
Strengthen STEM teaching
Starting in September, the ExxonMobil Foundation will partner with the Ministry of Education, the University of Guyana, and the University of Houston to deliver Teacher STEM Training.
Expand STEM opportunities for students
Over the next decade, the initiative will expand student programs inside and outside the classroom and bring world-class STEM resources, including Khan Academy, to students across the country, including the schools serving small, remote hinterland communities. This initiative’s most visible component – creating a network of STEM Centres and satellites, operated by the ExxonMobil Foundation with the first opening in 2029 in Georgetown.
Forge pathways for college and careers
While the STEM Centres will provide hands-on experiences that connect STEM learning directly to modern careers, the initiative will also provide additional college and career readiness resources. This includes pre-college math and science courses, college transition support, and mentoring and tutoring. Because when learning is tied to real-world opportunity, ambition becomes attainable.
The Guyana Government is pursuing other ventures to help transform the education sector locally.
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