Guyanese study tour to Mohawk College supports the transition to green energy
Mohawk International recently hosted six students and three lecturers from New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) in Guyana, accompanied by a representative from Colleges & Institutes Canada (CICan) at Fennell Campus.
Facilitated by CICan, the objective of the Guyanese Skills to Access the Green Economy (SAGE) project is to provide opportunities for participants to explore the transition to the use of solar energy, through: energy monitoring, targeting and reporting; leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED); and environmental best practices. To cultivate the green economy, SAGE employs a dual approach: building the capacity of the Caribbean technical institution while providing the future workforce with the ‘green skills’ necessary to address the skills gaps hindering climate-change mitigation efforts.
During the study tour, the 10 participants attended academic classes and engaged in workshops delivered by IDEAWORKS, Mohawk’s applied research division, as well as the Digital Creativity Centre (DCC). Participants had hands-on experience with various digital equipment, including 3D printers at the DCC.
As well, the group visited the historic Niagara Parks Power Station, a hydropower pioneer, for a guided tour that showcased the electricity generation of Niagara’s Horseshoe Falls. The group even ventured through a 2,200-foot-long tunnel located 180 feet beneath the Niagara Parks Power Station. Exploring downtown Hamilton provided insights into the innovative, welcoming, and inclusive community that defines the city.
Given that the Caribbean islands are highly susceptible to climate change impacts, balancing the imperatives of economic growth in Guyana with environmental protection and social equity remains an important consideration.
A participant, Neville Hunte, remarked that the study tour provided “working ideas on how to conduct research and build partnerships in order to develop and accelerate Guyana’s renewable energy sector.”
An inherent outcome of the tour was the enhancement of intercultural competencies among the participants. Sharing the heart of innovation together left an indelible imprint on everyone involved and contributed to our shared aspiration to become active global citizens.
Images courtesy of Camilo Gomez Torres