EMC Foundation launches “Arya Takes a Swim” audio series, audiobook

On May 23, the Environmental Management Consultants (EMC) Foundation launched the “Arya Takes a Swim” audio series and audiobook, at the Umana Yana in Georgetown.

The pioneering English and Arawak audio materials are based on the ground- breaking children’s book “Arya Takes a Swim”. The event, celebrated by prominent personalities and enthusiastic attendees, marked a significant step in promoting marine conservation and education among Guyana’s youth.
The “Arya Takes a Swim” audio series and audiobook is a heartfelt tribute to First Lady Arya Ali, in recognition of her unwavering commitment to environmental conservation. The central character, a green turtle, was named in her honour.
The launch, hosted on World Turtle Day, brought together speakers who shared their insights and praised the initiative. First Lady, Arya Ali, expressed her joy and support for the project, “I commend the EMC Foundation and its partners for this inclusive and imaginative approach to education and conservation. You are not only educating our nation’s children; you are empowering them. You’re providing them with tools that inform and inspire them to learn more about the environment,” she stated.
The First Lady added that the audiobook addresses causes close to her heart, including environmental protection, youth empowerment, and literacy. She noted that the project is a beautiful example of what can be achieved when Government, Non-Governmental organisations, and international partners work together.
British High Commissioner, Jane Miller, underscored the British High Commission’s support for projects like “Arya Takes a Swim” audio series and audiobook, stating, “We’ve really enjoyed our collaboration with the EMC Foundation – a great example of a catalytic and innovative project that brings Guyana’s beauty and the blue economy to life, and highlights the importance of a sustainable and healthy ocean environment.”
Founder and Director of the EMC Foundation, Shyam Nokta, in his remarks, highlighted that “Arya Takes a Swim” –Guyana’s first children’s book on turtle tagging – is once again making waves, as the first Arawak children’s audiobook on marine turtle conservation in Guyana. He also expressed excitement for future projects aligned with the Foundation’s mission of raising environmental awareness through education.
“We obviously would like to continue to take this initiative forward. Our dream is to see this audio series featured on the Ministry of Education’s channel so it can be accessed by communities across the country. We also hope to see “Arya Takes a Swim” available in Arawak in schools and Indigenous communities throughout Guyana,” he noted.
Deputy Commissioner of the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), Fitzroy Sealey, shared updates on turtle conservation efforts in Guyana, noting encouraging trends in nesting and hatchlings at the Shell Beach Protected Area. He commended the EMC Foundation and Environmental Management Consultants Inc for their vital role in the Turtle Telemetry Programme, and expressed the PAC’s eagerness for future collaborations.
Toshao of St Cuthbert’s Mission, Alvoro Simon, offered insights into the community’s cultural and conservation efforts, emphasising how pivotal a project like this is in preserving Indigenous languages. He pointed out that his community has faced challenges in maintaining their language, but with plans to teach it in schools; this project will play a vital role in that initiative.
The “Arya Takes a Swim” audio series and audiobook project was implemented by the EMC Foundation with support from the Blue Social Challenge Fund Pilot, part of the United Kingdom’s (UK) Sustainable Blue Economy Programme. It is part of the EMC Foundation’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness and foster a collective commitment to marine turtle conservation in Guyana.
It is inspired by the real-life Turtle Telemetry Programme at Shell Beach, and follows the journey of a green turtle named Arya. Through immersive narration and rich sound design, the series encourages children and families across the country to explore and protect the marine environment – making marine conservation more accessible, engaging, and inspiring for all.
Following the launch, the audio series and audiobook will be distributed to schools and communities across Guyana, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, to embed the values of conservation in the educational curriculum.
The audiobook will also feature prominently on radio stations across Guyana, further emphasising its role in conservation awareness.
EMC Foundation extended its gratitude to all the speakers, attendees, and supporters who contributed to the success of the launch.
Special thanks were extended to First Lady Ali, the British High Commission, PAC, REEL Guyana, the residents of St Cuthbert’s Mission, and all partners and collaborators for their support and dedication to marine conservation.