Power of Tomorrow – Steam fair opens: showcasing sustainable and innovative solutions

On Wednesday, the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal was transformed into a hub of wonder and imagination as the Ministry of Education kicked off it’s  16th National STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) Fair. Under the theme “Innovative Solutions through STEAM for Sustainable Development in Guyana,” the event highlights the crucial role of education in addressing national and global challenges through hands-on innovation.

The STEAM Fair is buzzing with excitement as students from all across Guyana have gathered to showcase their creativity and innovative ideas. This three-day fair promotes innovative solutions for sustainable development, bringing together projects from the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. From tackling climate change to addressing everyday community challenges, students poured their passion into real, workable ideas. The fair is more than just an exhibition, it is a powerful reminder of what young minds can achieve when given the space to innovate.

Malia Headspeagar and her colleague, Santa Rosa Primary

Among the standout projects is “Trash to Cash,” presented by Malia Headspeagar and her colleague, Students of  Grade 5 from Santa Rosa Primary in Region One. The project focused on upcycling waste materials, turning discarded items into new products like cup holders, plastic flowers, chairs, tables, and even wallpaper. “In Guyana, there’s a lot of trash around, so we decided to create new products instead of wasting it,” Malia explained. Her team used plastic bottles and fabric scraps to make the chairs on display. “Some took two days to make, but the chairs took three to four days,” she shared, adding that the experience was rewarding. “It was very enjoyable to see how people create new products from different things to help our environment.”

Mark Sukna, Skeldon Line Path Secondary

Over at Skeldon Line Path Secondary, Mark Sukna presented his team’s Flutter System Floating House, a creative response to Guyana’s ongoing flooding issues. The house, designed with buoyant, lightweight materials, is intended to float during floods, offering a safe and sustainable solution for those living in flood-prone areas. “The idea came from seeing the impacts of climate change firsthand,” Mark said. The model, made with renewable resources, is estimated to cost between six to eight million Guyanese dollars. “You can get this money from loans at Bank or save up,” he suggested, as he handed over a brochure detailing the project. Despite some weather-related challenges, Mark found the fair to be enriching. “I’ve seen many booths, and they’re really educational. People can learn a lot.”

Ganda Sigaroo, Judge – STEAM Fair 2025

Judge Ganda Sigaroo, a Chemistry and Physics lecturer at the Cyril Potter College of Education, was impressed by the diversity of projects and the wide range of subject areas represented. “When people think of a science fair, they often expect just chemistry or physics,” he noted. “But here, you have everything: biology, social sciences, visual arts, agri-science, home economics, and even industrial technology.” Sigaroo pointed to a project from North Georgetown Secondary, which used rice straw as an absorbent for oil spills. “These are small-scale ideas now, but if they’re cost-effective and sustainable, they can grow into real solutions for a cleaner, greener world,” he said. “It’s not just the Ministry that can support them; outside investors could see their potential and help push them forward.”

Hon. Priya Manickchand, Minister of Education

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, emphasized the importance of nurturing innovation in schools and highlighted the role students play in building a more sustainable Guyana. “What you see here is really months of the education system encouraging our students to do what we do every single day” she said. “We are encouraging them to conceive, create, and demonstrate their innovations in various subject areas. This is about preparing our children for a future where they will lead, innovate, and transform our country.”

The National STEAM fair showcases a wide range of projects that blend creativity with practicality. In line with the Ministry of Education’s vision for a bright future, the fair’s theme focuses on sustainable practices and the power of innovation. It is a vivid demonstration of the untapped potential within today’s students, young innovators who are ready to contribute to Guyana’s future in meaningful and lasting ways.

The National STEAM Fair is set to conclude on Friday April 25, 2025 at 15:00hrs at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.