Scotiabank initiative to equip 1750 Caribbean youths with renewable energy skills

…Guyana among 3 countries benefiting from 3-year programme

Scotiabank is targeting 1,750 young people across Guyana, Barbados and Jamaica through a three-year initiative aimed at increasing awareness of renewable energy, environmental sustainability and emerging career opportunities.
The bank announced on Monday that the programme, which began in 2025, is providing young people with hands-on learning experiences to help them understand renewable energy solutions, climate resilience and the importance of sustainable development.
The initiative comes as Caribbean countries continue to pursue more sustainable and resilient economies, with an emphasis on equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in emerging industries.
Delivered through local partners in each country, the programme brings interactive workshops into classrooms and communities. Through practical activities and demonstration technologies, students are introduced to renewable energy solutions and their real-world applications while developing critical thinking, problem-solving and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills.

The programme, according to the Bank, also focuses on building local capacity by training educators and community partners to deliver engaging, curriculum-aligned learning experiences within their communities. Country Head of Scotiabank Guyana, Nafeeza Gaffoor, said the initiative would help prepare young people to take advantage of opportunities emerging from Guyana’s development.
“Guyana is undergoing rapid transformation, creating new opportunities for young people to contribute to the country’s future development. Through this partnership, we are helping students build awareness of renewable energy, environmental stewardship and emerging career pathways. By supporting innovative educational experiences, we are investing in the next generation of leaders, innovators and changemakers,” Gaffoor said.
The programme builds on its implementation in Barbados and Jamaica and is continuing to expand in Guyana through partnerships with local organisations involved in youth development and STEM education.
Executive Director of Relay Education, Wesley Normington, said the partnership with Scotiabank would allow young people across the three countries to gain practical exposure to renewable energy technologies.
“Thanks to Scotiabank’s support, 1,750 youth across Barbados, Guyana, and Jamaica will engage in hands-on renewable energy learning through Relay Education’s workshops. From designing solar cars to building wind turbines, participating youth will gain unique experiences in renewable energy technologies,” Normington said.
He added that the workshops, combined with educator training, would help young people explore energy-related careers while strengthening the capacity of local communities to sustain environmental and STEM education.
As the programme progresses, Scotiabank and Relay Education will also explore opportunities for employee volunteering, greater community involvement and increased student participation across the three countries.
The initiative is expected to provide young people with practical exposure to renewable energy technologies while helping educators and community partners continue delivering sustainability-focused learning.