At a young age, Alliah Simon left Pakuri Village in pursuit of better educational opportunities. Now 21, the former President’s College student and passionate conservationist is reconnecting with her community.
She is now part of the executive body of the Pakuri Harmony Hub, a small group dedicated to the sustainable development of the village.
As a biology graduate and a Professional Development Fellow at the Iwokrama International Centre, Alliah embodies the spirit of women in science.
In observance of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated today, we asked her to reflect on her decision to pursue science and how she is giving back to Pakuri.
“The science field holds a very close place in my heart because, as an Indigenous person, we are actually one with nature; we live with nature. So I didn’t really get into it—I was born into it,” Alliah expressed.
Biologist and passionate conservationist Alliah Simon (Telesha Ramnarine/News Room/February 11, 2025)
As she grew older, she realised that her passion lay in environmental science and conservation. To earn her degree, she completed an internship at Vector Control Services. But after spending 80 hours there, she realised that was not the path she wanted to follow.
After graduating last November, she pursued a career in conservation at the Iwokrama International Centre.
“My work mostly involves public relations and projects. I work with youths, primarily. We recently reopened the Volunteers Programme, and I am responsible for managing 15 volunteers,” she shared.
“This is important to me because, as a UG student, I always wanted to be involved in conservation and open doors for more young people to engage in the field.”
Alliah wants to get more youths involved in conservation, especially in preserving the environment. (Alliah Simon photo)
Alliah feels she is making a difference through her work, particularly by educating young people about the environment.
“A lot of people don’t understand the importance of protecting the environment. My ultimate goal is to change people’s mindset. Even though our natural world is crucial, many do not pay close attention to it or feel passionate about it,” she said.
“My goal is to get more people involved in conservation and drive real change in this field,” she added.
Returning to visit Pakuri, the traditional name for St Cuthbert’s Mission, located along the Mahaica River, Alliah has been increasingly involved in her village’s development.
According to her, the newly formed hub will oversee both the physical and social development of the community.
“I will definitely use my skills and the resources available to me for the betterment of my community, especially in relation to the environment,” she said.
The post Pakuri’s Rising Biologist: Alliah Simon Empowers Her Village appeared first on News Room Guyana.
