Guyana
Sandwatch Activities started in 2001.
Status of Sandwatch in Guyana: Active
Activities and Highlights: Updates in progress
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Guyana's Sandwatch Workshop November 2023
Sandwatch Guyana Workshop Participants, November 2023
From November 7-10th, 2023, the Guyana Ministry of Education, via the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) organized a transformative Sandwatch workshop, for teachers of Primary and Secondary Schools, in Guyana. Facilitated by experts Andy Paul, Marlena Connor, and Megell Mohammed from Trinidad and Tobago, the workshop aimed to empower educators and curriculum officers with the necessary tools for sustainable coastal management, with participants from 30 schools, the event provided a platform for collaborative learning and environmental stewardship.
The workshop began with an insightful presentation by the distinguished facilitators, who introduced participants to the importance of coastal ecosystems and the need for active conservation measures. Emphasis was placed on the Sandwatch programs methodology, incorporating elements of Monitoring, Analyzing, Sharing and Taking action, the MAST methodology.
Facilitators Andy Paul, Marlena Connor, and Megell Mohammed led comprehensive sessions on the MAST methodology. Participants gained a profound understanding of how to effectively monitor and assess coastal environments using this structured approach. The workshop delved into the significance of maintaining accurate beach records. Practical exercises and case studies allowed participants to grasp the importance of documentation in tracking changes in the coastal landscape over time.
Hands-on activities were a focal point, providing participants with the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. Field visits to a local beach facilitated practical application of the Sandwatch methodologies, reinforcing the importance of community involvement.
The 30 schools represented at the workshop demonstrated high levels of enthusiasm and engagement. Interactive discussions, group activities, and collaborative projects fostered a sense of shared responsibility for the coastal environments among participants.
The Guyana Sandwatch Workshop achieved several noteworthy outcomes:
1. Enhanced Skills: Participants acquired practical skills in MAST methodology, enabling them to conduct effective beach monitoring activities.
2. Awareness: The workshop successfully raised awareness about the importance of preserving coastal ecosystems, fostering a sense of responsibility within the community.
3. Networking: The collaboration with facilitators from Trinidad and Tobago facilitated knowledge exchange and strengthened regional partnerships in environmental conservation.
The Guyana Sandwatch Workshop, conducted by NCERD with facilitators Andy Paul, Marlena Connor, and Megell Mohammed, stands as a significant step toward promoting environmental stewardship in Guyana. The knowledge and skills imparted during the workshop are expected to contribute to ongoing efforts in sustainable coastal management. We express gratitude to NCERD, especially Mrs Keisa Johnson-Richards and Mrs Ariefa Reman, all facilitators, participants, and partners who contributed to the success of this enriching event.
The workshop began with an insightful presentation by the distinguished facilitators, who introduced participants to the importance of coastal ecosystems and the need for active conservation measures. Emphasis was placed on the Sandwatch programs methodology, incorporating elements of Monitoring, Analyzing, Sharing and Taking action, the MAST methodology.
Facilitators Andy Paul, Marlena Connor, and Megell Mohammed led comprehensive sessions on the MAST methodology. Participants gained a profound understanding of how to effectively monitor and assess coastal environments using this structured approach. The workshop delved into the significance of maintaining accurate beach records. Practical exercises and case studies allowed participants to grasp the importance of documentation in tracking changes in the coastal landscape over time.
Hands-on activities were a focal point, providing participants with the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. Field visits to a local beach facilitated practical application of the Sandwatch methodologies, reinforcing the importance of community involvement.
The 30 schools represented at the workshop demonstrated high levels of enthusiasm and engagement. Interactive discussions, group activities, and collaborative projects fostered a sense of shared responsibility for the coastal environments among participants.
The Guyana Sandwatch Workshop achieved several noteworthy outcomes:
1. Enhanced Skills: Participants acquired practical skills in MAST methodology, enabling them to conduct effective beach monitoring activities.
2. Awareness: The workshop successfully raised awareness about the importance of preserving coastal ecosystems, fostering a sense of responsibility within the community.
3. Networking: The collaboration with facilitators from Trinidad and Tobago facilitated knowledge exchange and strengthened regional partnerships in environmental conservation.
The Guyana Sandwatch Workshop, conducted by NCERD with facilitators Andy Paul, Marlena Connor, and Megell Mohammed, stands as a significant step toward promoting environmental stewardship in Guyana. The knowledge and skills imparted during the workshop are expected to contribute to ongoing efforts in sustainable coastal management. We express gratitude to NCERD, especially Mrs Keisa Johnson-Richards and Mrs Ariefa Reman, all facilitators, participants, and partners who contributed to the success of this enriching event.
A message from the Sandwatch Ambassador in Guyana
April 2023:Policy Forum Guyana launched its 1.5oC Lifestyle Campaign on April 22nd, despite challenges posed by heavy rainfall and flood warnings. Over 150 attendees participated in the event, which sought to encourage sustainable and environmentally conscious lifestyles aligned with this year's Earth Day theme, "Investing in Our Planet." The event had a Zero Single-Use Plastic Policy in place, and the mini-expo showcased environmentally-related science fair projects, a paint-by-numbers mural, music, and several lifesize games. The campaign challenged destructive ways of living that have contributed to the climate crisis and fostered pathways to a more unified, healthier, and inclusive youth-led future. Policy Forum Guyana expressed deep appreciation to the Marian Academy Administration and various organizations that supported the event. They believe such partnerships are vital to drive meaningful change and encourage positive changes towards limiting climate change. Read our Press Release here - Benita Davis, Sandwatch Ambassador, Guyana
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Sandwatch Alumnus wins Young Heroes Fund Award
Guyana Aug 2021: Benita Davis can still recall her seemingly insignificant decision back in 2016 to attend a Sandwatch workshop which ultimately led to her developing the River Guardians Project to increase the protection of rivers and freshwater resources. This again led to her being the latest recipient of the Young Heroes Fund Award given by the Stone Soup Leadership Institute. The 26-year-old was in primary school when she realised that she was passionate about environmental protection, and when she moved on to Queen’s College, she continued to enjoy being part of the environmental club and scout group. - click here for full details. The Stone Soup Leadership Institute's press release on her award can be read here |
Trainer-the-Trainers Sandwatch Workshop held in Guyana
May 8-10th, 2019: The Sandwatch Foundation in cooperation with The Ministry of Education, Guyana National Center for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) and the Trinidad and Tobago’s Sandwatch Network and UNESCO conducted a train-the-trainers workshop for 30 participants from around the country in Georgetown, Guyana.
- Click here for full details!
May 8-10th, 2019: The Sandwatch Foundation in cooperation with The Ministry of Education, Guyana National Center for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) and the Trinidad and Tobago’s Sandwatch Network and UNESCO conducted a train-the-trainers workshop for 30 participants from around the country in Georgetown, Guyana.
- Click here for full details!
Guyana Sandwatch Pilot Schools team up to celebrate Earth Day 2018 linking Plastic Pollution and Climate Change
Earth Day 2018: Did you know that 300 million tons of plastic are sold each year and that 90% of that is thrown away? Did you know that a huge percentage of those plastics end up in our landfills, our oceans, our wildlife and our bodies? That is why the theme to mark today’s celebration of Earth Day is “End Plastic Pollution”. Plastic is a petroleum based product which utilizes approximately 8% of global oil production. Sandwatch is a UNESCO programme that provides a framework for children, youth and adults, with the help of teachers and local communities, to work together to critically evaluate the problems and conflicts facing their beach environments, and to develop sustainable approaches to address these issues. Sandwatch Teams in nine (9) schools took part in the cleanup
1. Marian Academy
2. Stella Marris Primary
3. Tutorial High
4. St. Stanislaus College
5. Smith's Memorial Primary
6. Vreen - en - Hoop Secondary
7. Vreen - en - Hoop Primary
8. LBI Secondary
9. LBI Primary
- click to here to read the full story!
1. Marian Academy
2. Stella Marris Primary
3. Tutorial High
4. St. Stanislaus College
5. Smith's Memorial Primary
6. Vreen - en - Hoop Secondary
7. Vreen - en - Hoop Primary
8. LBI Secondary
9. LBI Primary
- click to here to read the full story!
Coordination of Sandwatch in Guyana:
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Guyana, Sandwatch Workshop, Oct 17-19th, 2016
For three days The Sandwatch Foundation with the generous support of the Guyana Ministry of Education and UNESCO were pleased to hold a training workshop for more than 30 primary and high school teachers from around the country in the capital, Georgetown. Science Curriculum expert, Ms Petal Jetoo and her staff at the National Centre of Education Resource Development for Guyana did an exemplary job in organizing the seminars and in planning follow up activities and events including perhaps tying Sandwatch into other environmental and science based projects. Full details, videos plus amazing photos of this workshop and a trip to the world famous Kaieteur Water Falls can be found HERE |
Sandwatch Guyana, Oct 19th, 2016
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Guyana Sandwatch Teams
Status of Sandwatch in Guyana: Active
Activities and Highlights: Updates in progress
On Oct 6th, 2017 Tutorial High & Stella Marris Primary schools conduct their first Sandwatch field trips
Grades 5, 6 and 10 students from Tutorial High School and Stella Marris Primary School conducted their first Sandwatch field trips at the western end of Kingston Beach in downtown Georgetown, the capital of Guyana. They conducted a series of measurements, observations and tests of water quality at several areas of the beach and have recorded their results, so as to build up a profile of their coastal environment over the coming months and perhaps years.
Please click here to read their report
Grades 5, 6 and 10 students from Tutorial High School and Stella Marris Primary School conducted their first Sandwatch field trips at the western end of Kingston Beach in downtown Georgetown, the capital of Guyana. They conducted a series of measurements, observations and tests of water quality at several areas of the beach and have recorded their results, so as to build up a profile of their coastal environment over the coming months and perhaps years.
Please click here to read their report
October 2016: The Ministry of Education in Guyana held a Sandwatch Training Workshop for about 35 participants from selected schools.
May 2014: Two participants from the Ministry of Education take part in the Caribbean training course on Climate change education inside and outside the classroom.”
Litter at Hope Beach
April 2011: Sandwatch group gets involved with monitoring Hope Beach where there is a lot of beach debris.
New Sandwatch group gets going in Guyana
2009: New group, Sandwatch Nature Club, gets going in Guyana.
Failing coastal defences in Guyana
November 2008: Sandwatch group in Guyana prepare an article for the Sandwatcher on how Climate Change is impacting Guyana's coast.
December 2006, Ms Paula Tulloch from Guyana attended the Regional Sandwatch Youth Symposium, held in Trinidad.
July 2003: Mr. Avery Butler, teacher, and Ms. Angela Lewis, student from St. Rose’s High School, took part in the second Sandwatch workshop in Dominica, when they presented the results of their beach monitoring in Georgetown
June 2001: Ms Lorna McPherson from the Ministry of Education participated in the first Sandwatch workshop in St. Lucia.