Shout4Change competition launched for young people to turn ideas into action

The search for Guyana’s next national youth environmental speaker has begun.
As global advocates observe Earth Day 2026 under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” Recover Guyana, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and with support from ExxonMobil Guyana, on Wednesday launched the fourth edition of SHOUT, the National Youth Environmental Speech Competition.

Winners of this year’s competition will receive more than $4 million (GY$) in cash and prizes.

First launched in 2023, SHOUT encourages participants to think creatively about becoming environmental advocates for sustainability while undertaking major environmental improvements within their schools. This year’s competition is branded SHOUT4Change and aligns with the global call to empower youth voices to respond to the urgent environmental challenges facing the planet, including climate change, water security, biodiversity, waste management, and renewable energy.

Dr. Dave Lalltoo, Project Lead for SHOUT, said that the initiative “is not just about speaking, it is about solutions, and this year we have fully embedded STEM throughout the competition to ensure our young leaders are equipped with the technical skills and critical thinking needed to design real, impactful solutions to Guyana’s environmental challenges, starting right within their own schools and communities.”

Since its inception, SHOUT has grown from a visionary concept into a national movement for youth empowerment, environmental awareness, and STEM integration, delivered through a strong and strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education. Assistant Chief Education Officer (Secondary), Sherwyn Blackman was heartened at the support received, adding, “I’m even more happy that it is rooted in STEM. The Ministry of Education, and of course, by extension, the Government of Guyana, has done quite a lot advocating for the inclusion of STEM and how we can roll out across the country. But more importantly, how our young people can also take advantage and use those skill sets that they will learn through STEM to actually cause a rippling effect of development or continued development in our country.” I’m even more pleased,” he continued, “that this competition is rolled out across all 11 education districts. And I saw students coming up here from some schools that I don’t believe I saw in a competition last year, which means that this competition is gaining the kind of momentum that one would desire, which means that across our country or secondary schools across the country, our young people are recognizing how important their voice is to this competition.”

ExxonMobil Guyana, which has served as the title sponsor of the initiative for the past three years, continues to support youth-led environmental advocacy through SHOUT. Community Relations Supervisor at EMGL, Ryan Hoppie said, “Today, as we talk about the environment, we know that they are the brilliant minds in this room that will help us to channel those energies into championing the cause for the environment and the world that we live in. We recognize that important role indeed, and it’s not just about finding an amazing project, but it’s also about the responsibility and the awareness and stewardship that comes with developing that project and ensuring that the impact is felt beyond the walls of our schools and into our communities. SHOUT helps us to build the right types of skills, mindsets, as well as capabilities, and it’s about encouraging our students to apply that critical thinking capability, the creativity, as well as the innovation that addresses the real challenges that we face within our communities. As Guyana continues to develop, these qualities will be essential in building a resilient and sustainable country.”

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr provided the keynote address, talking of the adaptability of mankind and how the Shout4Change initiative lends directly to this, especially given the changing world. “There have been challenges throughout human history for which we have always been able to find a solution. But if we find a solution through our innovation and deliberate focus on finding that solution, all of you are going to enter a world. A world which you’re going to face those same kind of challenges that all of us would have faced before. But the combination of your minds here in Guyana and around the world, the collective effort of your ideas and your minds that emanate from that will be the solution that gives us or will give us the solution that we need to save the world.”

Twenty national finalists were unveiled at the launch, adding a new level of anticipation and enabling earlier engagement, mentorship, and visibility as competitors prepare for the national stage. These finalists represent a diverse and dynamic group of students from secondary schools across Guyana, each bringing unique perspectives and a shared passion for environmental advocacy and innovation. They include: Raygon Griffith of Abram Zuil Secondary, Martha Bijnauth of Bladen Hall Secondary, Ismal Rodriguez and Renatta Bhagwandin of Camille’s Academy, Gabriell Parkes of Charity Secondary, Hadassah Harris of Friendship Secondary, Brandon Holder of Hope Secondary, Jeenette Torres of Hururu Secondary, Jolena Camacho of JC Chandisingh Secondary, Raphieal Jacobis of Leguan Secondary, Angelica Timmerman of Linden Foundation Secondary, Kymani Haley of North Georgetown Secondary, Precus Ferdinand of Plaisance Secondary, Orlando Reynolds of President’s College, Ruqayyah Mohamed of Qayyim Academy, Afiyah Jabbar of School of the Nations, Randy Mangal of Skeldon Line Path Secondary, Emma Munro of St. Joseph High School, Elijah Ryan Toolsie of Stewartville Secondary, and Bhoomika Singh of Tagore Memorial Secondary.

The SHOUT4Change competition is divided into four phases, with Phases 2, 3 and 4 scheduled to take place on World Environment Day, June 5, 2026. The competition begins with the submission of a one-minute video answering the question: “What is one major sustainable change that you would make to your school’s environment should you be given $1 million dollars (GY$1,000,000)?” This phase is designed to encourage schools to conceptualise innovative ideas that prioritise environmental sustainability without financial constraints.

In Phase 2, finalists will advance to a presentation round, where they will be given 90 seconds to deliver prepared environmental speeches. This phase highlights the advocacy skills and environmental awareness of the selected schools.

Phase 3 features an impromptu speech competition for the top 10 secondary schools. Students will respond to a series of environmental questions, assessing their ability to think on their feet, articulate their thoughts, and demonstrate their knowledge of environmental issues.

The final phase of the competition marks a pivotal stage, in which the top four schools will each answer a single, comprehensive environmental question. The results will determine and crown Guyana’s 2026 National Youth Environmental Speaker.

The top secondary school will receive a $1 million package towards an environmental advancement project and one year of free ONE Fibre internet service. Students placing first through fourth will receive environmental awards, HP laptops, one year of free ONE Fibre internet service, and education advancement vouchers valued at $100,000, $75,000, $50,000, and $25,000, respectively. Additionally, the winning teacher will receive a trip to Kaieteur Falls.

Participation awards will also be presented to the top 20 finalists. Special awards will be given for the best speaker, environmentally impactful presentation, and most influential speech, as well as the Go Green Award.

The competition has produced outstanding youth leaders, including Vasanna Persaud, whose Water Purification and Sustainability Initiative laid the foundation for national expansion; Gabriella Arjun, whose Hydroponics Kitchen Garden advanced sustainable agriculture within schools; and Anushka Singh, who introduced the Cycle Smart Project, which promotes waste segregation and recycling.

As SHOUT enters its fourth edition, SHOUT4Change reinforces its commitment to not just advocacy, but action-driven environmental leadership. The 2026 programme challenges students to think critically, innovate boldly, and present solutions grounded in science and sustainability.

Recover Guyana extends gratitude to its partners: Scotiabank Guyana Inc., Flawless Dental GY, Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel, One Communications, GuyOil, Massy Stores Guyana, Pixel Perfect Productions, SEVA Marketing Inc., ELEVATE, and Anthony Indar Photography.