ExxonMobil donates $20.9M to VYC for online STEM programme

Volunteer Youth Corps Inc (VYC) has received a contribution of $20.9 million from ExxonMobil Guyana to support the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education afterschool programme in Guyana.
On Wednesday, VYC said this new commitment would ensure the improvement and continuity of online afterschool academic classes for 700 students at 15 high schools in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica).
According to VYC, initially, the programme was geared to assist students from grades 9 to 11. However, for the first time, VYC will additionally cater for students and teachers in grades seven and eight.
Commenting on the donation, Chief Executive Officer Goldie Scott said VYC was able to rise to the task of connecting students in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have been able to support students and teachers during this difficult time by connecting them via ZOOM and other platforms, as well as providing laptops, tablets and other devices,” she added.
This year, in an effort to encourage academic growth, VYC would loan 150 tablets to disadvantaged students under the programme, to ensure they are able to participate in the online classes, as well as sustain or improve their performances. Students would also be able to view recorded class sessions via VYC’s social media platforms.
Meanwhile, VYC has awarded Deandre Serieux, a former student of Central High School and beneficiary of the programme, one HP laptop. Deandre gained 10 grade ones and a grade two in his 2016 CSEC examinations. VYC has congratulated Deandre on his outstanding performance.
The STEM afterschool programme has been implemented under the funding of ExxonMobil Guyana since 2012, contributing nearly $100 million to date. The programme is also supported by the Education Ministry.