𝐙𝐢𝐣𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐍.𝐕. continues to invest in the future of surrounding communities through initiatives that support education and youth development. One of these initiatives is the STEM program financed by RGM, which introduced approximately 70 children between the ages of 6 and 10 to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in a fun, engaging, and practical way.
Children from Brownsweg, Nieuw Koffiekamp, Klaaskreek, Balingsoela, Nw. Lombe, and Marshalkreek participated in this program. Through this initiative, participants were given early exposure to STEM education, which helped them develop important skills such as problem solving, creativity, and critical thinking.
During the program, Young Engineers Suriname provided basic engineering and scientific concepts such as motion, balance, and simple machines to the children. LEGO based activities were used as hands on learning tools, allowing the children to build models and directly see how these concepts worked in practice. Over the course of the semester, participants worked on various mechanical models, moving structures, elevator constructions, centrifugate systems, and basic motorized modules designed to demonstrate real life engineering principles in a simple and accessible way.
The program ran from February to March 2026, with sessions held every Sunday for 90 minutes per group. This semester marked one phase of the Brick Challenge program. Throughout the sessions, the children responded enthusiastically and showed increasing curiosity, confidence, and interest in STEM related topics.
Among the main highlights of the semester were the increased confidence of participants, improved problem solving skills, and the ability of the children to independently build and explain their models by the end of the program. Memorable moments included the excitement of the children when their models worked successfully and the pride they showed when presenting their projects. Many participants also became more confident in expressing their ideas.
This initiative was especially important because access to STEM education was often limited in these communities. By introducing children to engineering and technology at an early age, the program helped build foundational skills and opened up future educational and career opportunities. It also prepared them for a future increasingly shaped by technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence by strengthening essential 21st century skills.
The success of the program was made possible through the efforts of the Community Relations Department, which coordinated the program, managed stakeholder engagement, and ensured smooth implementation, reflecting RGM’s continued commitment to community development and educational empowerment.
Looking ahead, there are plans to continue the program and explore opportunities for expansion. The plan is to complete the Brick Challenge, which consists of four semesters with this group.
Investing in STEM education at a young age is an investment in the future. This semester’s program successfully introduced young children to engineering and technology in an engaging and practical way, while strengthening their confidence, creativity, and problem solving skills. It lays a strong foundation for future learning and demonstrates the value of early STEM exposure in community development.
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