As we usher in a new year, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we embarked on throughout 2023. The RGM Community Projects played a pivotal role in fostering positive change and making lasting contributions to the communities we serve. In this 2023 recap we revisit the heartwarming stories, impactful initiatives, and collaborative efforts that defined our community projects in 2023. From contributions to local health organizations to empowering education initiatives, this recap shows some moments that made 2023 a year of meaningful connections, shared accomplishments, and collective growth.
1. MZ Ambulance Donation
On behalf of the Communities of Interest (COIs) in Brokopondo, an ambulance was donated to the Medische Zending Primary Health Care Suriname, commonly known as Medische Zending (MZ) on February 28. This ambulance was made available by the Rosebel Community Fund (RCF). Present at the handover was the District Commissioner and the representatives of the Traditional Authority of Brokopondo.
2. TSF3 Contract Signing
Rosebel reach a final agreement with the Brokopondo Traditional Authorities for our third Tailing Storage Facility (TSF3). The contract signing took place on March 17, with Head Captain Henry Kaffe and Linus Diko representing the traditional authorities, and Rosebel’s General Manager, Victor Wu.
3. PIPA project Launch
On Friday, May 12, Rosebel held the DENKI YU TAMARA Job Fair in Brokopondo. The job fair was also the kickoff of the Pit Intrusion Public Awareness (PIPA) campaign. The PIPA aims to provide national education and information about the dangers and tragic consequences of what is known as “Ukem”, or illegal intrusion into the industrial zones within the Rosebel mining operation.
4. DC Vehicles and Atjonie Ambulances donation
In support of communities in Brokopondo, two vehicles and two ambulances were donated to the Brokopondo District Commissariat and the Atjonie Regional Hospital. The handover took place on June 6, by Rosebel’s Community Relations and Development Manager Jerry Finisie. Present on behalf of the government, was Regional Development Minister Gracia Emanuel and DC Ludwig Mendelzoon, and the director of Atjonie Regional Hospital, Edwin Noordzee.
5. Renovation project Elisabethshof
June 22 marked the technical completion of the renovation of the plumbing at the Elisabethshof Boys’ Boarding School. This project was financed by the Rosebel Community Fund. The official handover was attended by Rosebel’s CSR Advisor, Ratna Patandin, the boarding school’s management and students, representatives of the contracting company and EBGS Education Foundation.
6. Kee Wosu Marshallkreek handover
The official handover of the new Kee Wosu (funeral home) at Marshallkreek by representatives of RCF to the local community, took place on July 14. This construction project was accomplished through a collaboration between the community of Marshallkreek and RCF. Within the Surinamese Maroon tradition, the Kee Wosu is an important ancestral shrine, used for ritual purposes in connection with funeral ceremonies.
7. RGM School Quiz 2023
As part of the RGM Youth Talent Development (YTD) Program, a School Quiz was organized in the month of July. The R.M Schmidt School and Daniel IJveraar School were declared the Champion and Semi-Champion of the RGM School Quiz 2023, respectively. Through this program, RGM provides support to various organizations working on formation and capacity building within the district, including the Ministry of Education Science and Culture.
8. Brokopondo sixth graders schoolbags donations
From August 7 to 10, Rosebel donated school bags to all sixth graders in its COIs for the fifteenth time. 402 students from 22 schools, along with teachers and community members from Brokopondo and Sipaliwini, expressed gratitude with cheerful smiles and joyful faces. The school package includes a sturdy school bag and includes a dictionary, exercise books, and other necessary supplies.
9. Radio Brokopondo Contract Signing
On the 18th of August the contract signing took place for the renovation of Radio Brokopondo and purchase of radio broadcasting equipment for the organization. The contract was signed between Rosebel’s General Manager and RCF Chairman, Victor Wu, and representatives of the Radio Brokopondo Foundation; Chairman Carlo Morales and Secretary Antonius Goedewacht.
10. RGM Speech contest 2023
On Saturday, September 2, Rosebel, organized the RGM Speech Contest for the 8th time. From the 18 participants, finalist Jennefer Aloeboetoe of Mulo Brokopondo, who performed her speech in excellent manner and very convincingly, was chosen as the winner for the year 2023. The other winners were Jeniva Smit (2nd place), Rujetha Antomoi (3rd place), Lafurterey Baisie (4th place) and Joshua Pansa (5th place)
11. Scholarship signing 2023
Rosebel hosted the signing ceremony of the Rosebel Scholarship Program 2023-2024 on October 9. This scholarship program provides scholarships to best graduates of Junior High schools from Brokopondo, Sipaliwini and Upper Saramacca, and enables them to successfully complete their study path in high school or higher education in Paramaribo. The program provides both technical and social counseling for all enrolled students.
12. RGM Summer Job program
As part of our Sustainable Community Development initiatives, RGM has been organizing a Vacation Summer Job program since 2011. This year’s participating students completed the program on Friday, September 15, and received a participation certificate during a closing ceremony. This program aims to accommodate students from district Brokopondo and the Upper Saramacca area by providing them the opportunity for a summer job at the company.
13. Radio Brokopondo technical handover
Since October 10, 2019, the airwaves in the Rosebel COIs have been alive with the vibrant sounds of Radio Brokopondo; a collaborative effort between Rosebel and the Radio Brokopondo Foundation. The culmination of dedication and hard work, the technical handover marking the completion of the renovation process which began in August, concluded with a momentous event on November 11.
14. Community site visit
On November 18th, a select group of representatives from the Rosebel Communities of Interest (COIs) were granted an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Rosebel operation. The visit was met with enthusiasm from the representatives, providing them with a firsthand glimpse into our operations. This initiative has proven invaluable in fostering a deeper understanding among our key stakeholders.
15. Mooring facilities Brokopondo COIs
The village communities of Nieuw Lombe, Moendjekiiki, and Kapasikele witnessed the official handover of three docking piers by the RCF to the traditional authorities of the aforementioned villages on December 15. A significant portion of goods and services transportation within the interior of Suriname occurs on water, making it essential for all riverside villages to invest in good mooring facilities.
16. CRD COIs Year End Celebration 2023
Rosebel’s Community Relations and Development (CRD) department organized an event for representatives of the COIs in Brokopondo. During this festive gathering at Chi Min in Paramaribo, the representatives were treated to a celebratory dinner and an entertaining Bingo drive, where various prizes were awarded.
17. RCF Christmas Charity 2023
To conclude the year, RCF organized a memorable Christmas Charity event on December 20th, where representatives from 10 social institutions received a heartfelt donation in recognition of their dedication throughout the past year. These institutions include boarding schools such as Siswa Tama, Soender Singh, Wisma Karijawati, Elizabethshof, Christoforus, and foundations such as RIYOS (Richly Impact Young Ones), Kinderhuis Johanna, Matoekoe, and Huize Albertine.
