ExxonMobil Guyana marked the 10th anniversary of its partnership with Volunteer Youth Corps Inc. (VYC) with a GY$20 million contribution to see its Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) afterschool programme continue in Regions Three and Four.
According to Exxon’s local Production Manager, Mike Ryan, it is the longest-running programme that the oil major has supported to date.
“Our long-term support is a testament to the VYC’s development and the adaptability of the programme to the changing needs of the community,” Ryan remarked as the cheque was presented to VYC’s Chief Executive Officer, Goldie Scott, at the non-governmental organisation’s (NGO) Durban Backlands office.
And Scott shared that Exxon’s funding has enabled the NGO to be more “secure and consistent” with the afterschool programme.
“We have grown from about three teachers to close to 30 teachers in the programme and moved from 100 to 700 children year-round,” he noted.
The donation pushed ExxonMobil Guyana’s contributions to the VYC to some GY$113 million (US$565,000) since the collaboration began in 2012.
VYC continues to support its 700 students across 18 high schools. The Grades seven to 11 students will receive instruction for several subjects two to three days per week. Additionally, students will benefit from STEM seminars and robotics workshops.
400 students participate in ExxonMobil supported STEM conference | OilNow
More than 5,000 students have received free after school lessons and supportive services during the decade-long partnership.
Volunteer Youth Corps Inc. is a non-profit organisation and has existed for 25 years, providing quality health, education and social services to children and youth.
