Project FLOW Launches to Provide Clean Water Access for More Than 58,000 Students Nationwide

Group photograph with project stakeholders, students, and teachers following the official launch of Project FLOW.

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – October 10, 2025: The Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Recover Guyana, officially launched its Signature Project: FLOW: National Water Purification and Sustainability Initiative for Public Secondary Schools, TVET Institutions, and Special Needs Schools in Guyana. This four-year collaborative effort aims to transform access to purified drinking water for more than 58,000 students across 141 public secondary schools, 10 TVET institutes, and four special needs schools by the end of 2029.

Group photograph featuring key project stakeholders from the Greater Guyana Initiative, Ministry of Education, and Recover Guyana.

FLOW represents a significant national investment in education and environmental sustainability. The overarching goals of the project include increasing access to clean drinking water, promoting reusable bottle use, and preserving the environment, while positively impacting Guyana’s carbon footprint. By 2030, it is projected to prevent approximately 25 million plastic bottles from entering Guyana’s waterways and landfills and fostering a culture of environmental sustainability and stewardship among students and educators.

The water purification systems will utilise sources from Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) or rainwater, and will feature advanced filtration, purification, and modern dispensing technologies powered by solar energy, positioning FLOW as a model of sustainability. Over 1,500 students and teachers will be empowered through training in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)-related water system management and maintenance to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project.

Mr. Alistair Routledge, President of ExxonMobil Guyana, delivering remarks during the official launch of Project FLOW.

In his address, Mr. Alistair Routledge, President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, reflected on the foundation of GGI in advancing the benefits of the oil and gas industry, in keeping with the development ethos of the country, to be sustainable and underpin the long-term prosperity for the people of Guyana. Mr. Routledge stated, FLOW is more than just a water project, “It’s about sustainability, it’s about investing in young people in the country who are the future of prosperity and sustainability.”

Dr. Davindra Lalltoo, Project Lead addressing attendees at the Project FLOW launch.

Dr. Davindra Lalltoo, FLOW Project Lead and President of Recover Guyana, in his remarks stated that every reusable bottle symbolises the shift toward greater accountability and stewardship, and that every child should carry that message forward. He expressed, “Recover Guyana is proud to work closely with its partners, the Greater Guyana Initiative and the Ministry of Education, to champion this important initiative.”

Mr. Sherwyn Blackman, Assistant Chief Education Officer (Secondary), Ministry of Education, delivering remarks during the launch ceremony.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Sherwyn Blackman, Assistant Chief Education Officer (ACEO) for Secondary Schools, stated that the project is a transformative step for the education system, aligning education, health and environmental advocacy in a single initiative that benefits students across Guyana.

Concept model showcasing the front view of the FLOW: National Water Purification and Sustainability Project.

FLOW will begin installation in January 2026, utilising solar panels for renewable energy. Through FLOW, students in public secondary, TVET, and special needs schools across Guyana will gain access to clean, safe, cool drinking water, empowering them to become lifelong champions of environmental sustainability.