Scotiabank commits $6M in 2025 to assist STEMGuyana with Learning Pods programme

Mar 01, 2025 News

Kaieteur News- STEMGuyana and Scotiabank Guyana on Friday announced that Scotiabank Guyana has committed G$6,624,000 for the 2025 academic year to assist its Learning Pods initiative. StemGuyana described its collaboration with the bank as “significant partnership …to sustain and enhance its Learning Pods Programme”.

Scotiabank commits $6M in 2025 to assist STEMGuyana with Learning Pods programme

(L-R): Nafeeza Gaffoor, Country Manager, Scotiabank Guyana; Alisha Koulen, Operations Manager, STEMGuyana; Justin Thompson, Senior Manager, Country Management Office, Scotiabank Guyana; Elsie Harry, Board Member and Fundraising Coordinator, STEMGuyana and Bibi Alli, Senior Manager Operations and Administration, Scotiabank Guyana display STEM branded tokens.

This learning initiative was founded during the COVID19 pandemic to correct learning loss among school-aged children, and currently provides after-school enrichment in Science, Mathematics, English, Technology, Robotics, and Coding for primary and secondary school students across Guyana. Approaching its 4-year anniversary, the Learning Pods Programme features 30 functioning pods across the 10 Regions of Guyana.

The investment, made through the ScotiaRISE programme, underscores Scotiabank’s dedication to education and youth empowerment by equipping students with essential academic and digital literacy skills.

“We are thrilled to have Scotiabank Guyana as a key partner in our mission to prepare young minds for the future,” said Karen Abrams, Executive Director of STEMGuyana.

“This support will help us to expand our reach, improve programme quality, and ensure that more students—especially those from underserved communities—have access to world-class STEM education and critical thinking training.”

The Learning Pods initiative, initially funded by IDB Lab, has already impacted thousands of students across Guyana, providing structured learning environments with trained coaches, interactive lessons, and mentorship opportunities. With Scotiabank’s support, the programme will integrate additional resources focused on problem-solving, and digital skills to better prepare students for academic and career success.

Scotiabank’s Commitment to Education

As part of the collaboration, Scotiabank will also facilitate learning sessions on financial literacy for Learning Pod students and their parents/guardians. The bank’s support aligns with its broader commitment to economic resilience and youth empowerment across the Caribbean.

“Education is critical in enriching the lives of our youth and helping them grow. Through this partnership with STEMGuyana, we continue to support the development of our country’s youth by providing the educational support they need so that they can realise their full potential, achieve success, and bolster their life opportunities.” – Nafeeza Gaffoor – Country Manager, Scotiabank Guyana.

Looking Ahead

STEMGuyana and Scotiabank will work together throughout 2025 to track programme impact and ensure that students demonstrate measurable improvements in their academic performance, digital literacy, and confidence in financial management. A comprehensive impact report will be published at the end of the programme, highlighting key achievements.

For more information about the STEMGuyana Learning Pods Programme and partnership opportunities, visit https://stemguyana.com/ or contact Alisha Koulen at 592-616-4454.

(Scotiabank commits $6M in 2025 to assist STEMGuyana with Learning Pods programme)

(Scotiabank commits)

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education, Learning Pods, Scotiabank, ScotiaRISE, STEM, STEMGuyana

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