Georgetown, Guyana – At the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Annual Review and Year-End Cocktail Event, Alisha Koulen, Operations Manager of STEMGuyana, delivered a speech that resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting the transformative impact of the IDB-funded program on Guyana’s youth and offering an optimistic vision for the future.
In her address, Koulen shared the profound ways in which STEMGuyana, with the support of the IDB, has empowered thousands of children across all regions of Guyana. “These children, evvel limited by access to resources and opportunities, now stand equipped with strengthened academic skills and significantly enhanced knowledge in technology and science,” she said.
Koulen recounted stories of young people who, through the program, participated in national competitions, developed critical life skills like teamwork and conflict resolution, and gained confidence that now propels them toward ambitious futures. “From remote villages to urban centers, children across Guyana now believe they can dream big and achieve those dreams through technology and education,” she said.
The theme of sustainability was a cornerstone of Koulen’s remarks. She underscored the program’s success in ensuring that even after local programs conclude, students will have ongoing access to online lessons for grades 1 through 10. This initiative reflects STEMGuyana’s commitment to creating a long-lasting movement for educational equity.
One of the highlights of the evening was Koulen’s announcement of an upcoming independent study to evaluate the program’s impact. The study, planned for early 2025, aims to refine and enhance the program’s approach, ensuring that it continues to deliver meaningful results for Guyanese children.
Looking to the future, Koulen introduced STEMGuyana’s ambitious plans to leverage AI technology to revolutionize education in Guyana. “Imagine a future where children in the most remote villages have access to the same level of education as those in urban centers—where talent, not location, defines opportunity. That is the vision we are working toward,” she declared.
As the IDB-funded program nears its conclusion, Koulen expressed gratitude for the support of the IDB and announced new sponsorship commitments already secured to continue and expand the program. However, she emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration among government, private sector, and civil society to sustain and grow this vital initiative.
Her speech concluded with an emotional appeal that left the audience inspired: “These children are not just beneficiaries of this program; they are the future of Guyana. They will become the problem-solvers, the leaders, and the change-makers who will drive innovation and development across the country. Together, we’ve achieved something remarkable, but the journey is far from over.”
Koulen’s address was met with enthusiastic applause and left a lasting impression on the audience, highlighting not only the success of STEMGuyana’s programs but also the incredible potential of Guyana’s youth.
About STEMGuyana:
STEMGuyana is at the forefront of empowering Guyana’s youth through education, technology, and innovation. Through partnerships and innovative programs, STEMGuyana is creating opportunities for children across the country, ensuring that no child is left behind in the pursuit of a brighter future.