Rosebel Gold Mines N.V. (RGM) has supported three primary schools in its communities with new and functional school furniture, creating a safer and more motivating learning environment for both children and teachers.
The handover ceremonies took place on two separate days. On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, furniture was delivered to the Johannes Kwamieschool in Nieuw Koffiekamp and the Daniel Ijveraar School in Klaaskreek. On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the R.M. Schmidt School in Brownsweg received its new furniture. These donations followed formal requests submitted by the schools in July 2024 to improve their educational facilities.
Improving Learning Conditions
The main goal of this initiative is to enhance the learning environment by providing new, functional furniture and replacing worn-out items. Over 600 pieces of school furniture, including tables, chairs, and file cabinets for teachers and students across different grade levels, were donated. The new furniture allows classrooms to be better organized, ensuring each child has a proper place to sit, learn, and participate.
The project was organized by RGM’s Community Relations and Development Department in close collaboration with EBGS school leaders from Brownsweg, Klaaskreek, and Nieuw Koffiekamp.
Part of RGM’s Community Investment
This initiative demonstrates RGM’s ongoing commitment to community investment in education and human capital development. By improving school facilities, RGM supports equal access to quality education and contributes to long-term community empowerment. The project aligns with the company’s corporate social responsibility strategy, which focuses on creating value for surrounding communities, building mutual trust, and supporting progress in education and community development.
Ceremonies and Community Involvement
Each handover ceremony followed a formal program reflecting the partnership between the schools, traditional authorities, community structures, and RGM. Programs included opening remarks, speeches by school leaders and traditional authorities, remarks by RGM’s Sustainability Director Mr. Soetjipto Verkuijl, and the official signing of handover documents.
Key participants included:
- Daniel Ijveraar School, Klaaskreek: School leader Mr. Roberto Almond, Traditional Authority Captain Walden, RGM Sustainability Director Mr. Soetjipto Verkuijl
- Johannes Kwamieschool, Nieuw Koffiekamp: School leader Mrs. Samantha Main, Traditional Authority Captain Edward Eersteling, RGM Sustainability Director Mr. Soetjipto Verkuijl
- R.M. Schmidt School, Brownsweg: School leader Mrs. Cathline Condorf, Traditional Authority Chief Captain Henk Finisie, RGM Sustainability Director Mr. Soetjipto Verkuijl
Representatives of the Community Committees were also present, highlighting the joint effort to improve education.
Direct Impact in the Classroom
Students and teachers welcomed the new furniture with enthusiasm. At each school, students helped unload and arrange the furniture while teachers, traditional leaders, and RGM representatives participated in the handover activities and shared words of appreciation.
According to Ms Landveld Vanbiana, Deputy Principal of the R M Schmidt School in Brownsweg, the donation has had an immediate and visible impact:
“In the past, we really struggled with a lack of school furniture. Last year, our school principal even had to travel all the way to Commewijne to borrow furniture from colleagues. There simply was not enough, and what we had was in very poor condition. The children are very happy now, because the new furniture makes the classroom much more comfortable. I believe this will motivate the students since most of them received their own new chair and table. As a child, you do not feel good sitting on a broken chair. Good furniture makes a big difference. It helps children come to school with joy and do their best. It is also much more pleasant for the teachers.”
Teachers have reported that the new furniture has created a more positive and motivating classroom atmosphere. Giving each child a solid chair and table has boosted comfort and confidence in class.
Looking Forward
For RGM, this project is another step in its continuous effort to support education and community development in its operation area. By working closely with schools, traditional authorities and community structures, the company aims to help build strong and resilient communities where children can learn, grow and realise their potential.
“Value Creation and Development for All.”
