Children with disabilities who attend mainstream schools are the focus of three new robotics clubs being added to a Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities, GCOPD, programme.

The clubs are planned for Regions Two, Three/Four and Six under the seventh phase of the Inclusive Innovators STEM Robotics and Life Skills Programme. Nine existing clubs will also continue. The latest phase, funded by ExxonMobil Guyana, runs through June 30, 2027.

The programme uses hands-on robotics activities to introduce children to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Since last year, it has placed greater emphasis on skills children can use beyond the classroom, including teamwork, public speaking, confidence and speaking up for themselves.

At Friday’s launch, programme manager Ganesh Singh said approximately 1,500 children with disabilities have benefited since the initiative began in 2019. They came from 17 special education spaces across Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven and Ten.

The new clubs mark an effort to reach children outside those special education settings. They may also provide another way for children from a dedicated autism club established in 2023 to take part. That club initially attracted 46 registrations, but participation later fell to approximately 20 children. GCOPD says it hopes some will join this new phase.

GCOPD Programme Manager, Ganesh Singh