Paramaribo – September 25, 2025 – Zijin Rosebel Gold Mines N.V. (RGM) hosted the 16th annual Signing Ceremony of the Rosebel Scholarship Program at the Royal Ballroom of Hotel Torarica.
The event welcomed students, their families, government officials, and community representatives in celebration of the contract signing of talented scholars from the districts of Brokopondo and Sipaliwini.
Since its initiation in 2009, the RGM Scholarship Program has been a cornerstone of RGM’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy. It directly addresses the educational challenges identified in the 2002 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), aiming to empower youth in the company’s Communities of Interest (COIs).
Each year, RGM awards new scholarships to:
the six best graduates of Mulo and LBO schools in Brokopondo and Sipaliwini
the two best graduates of the Christian Kingschool and Nieuw Jacobkondreschool
The scholarships include assistance such as tuition fees, housing, a monthly stipend, school supplies, and guidance to support the transition to further education.
Ceremony Highlights
The ceremony featured addresses by prominent figures such as:
Mr. G. van der Kamp, District Commissioner of Brokopondo
Ms. Preciosa Simons, M.Sc. B.Ed, representing the Ministry of Natural Resources
Mr. Qianjie Wang, General Manager of Zijin Rosebel Gold Mines N.V.
Mrs. Miquella Huur, Minister of Regional Development and Sport
Mr. Dirk Currie, Minister of Education, Science & Culture
During the award ceremony, ten students were honored: two graduates of NATIN already in the program, and eight new students joining the program, bringing the total to 38 active scholars.
The following eight (8) new scholarship recipients were awarded scholarships:
Dafrensa Main (LBO Atjoni) – Amakkakondre Village
Kolestein Amelia (Mulo Atjoni) – Pokigron Village
Linga Susjene (LBO Brokopondo) – Kapasikele Village
Vrede Kleberson (LBO Brokopondo) – Nieuw Lombe Village
Jonas Moaise (LBO Brokopondo) – Brokopondo Centrum
Vorswijk Gordielle (Mulo Brownsweg) – Brownsweg Village
Flink Safiëlle (Christian Kingschool) – Commissaris Kondre Village
Schoonland Avainah (Nieuw Jacobkondreschool) – Nieuw Jacob Kondre Village
In addition, two scholarship students successfully graduated from NATIN and will continue their studies at the higher professional (HBO) or university level:
Aloeboetoe Figaino – NATIN Mechanical Engineering (WTB)
Leshley Jozefzoon – NATIN Mining
Following the awards, the official contracts were signed between the scholars, their parents, and the General Manager of RGM. The formal program concluded with remarks by Mr. Jerry Finisie, Manager of the Community Relations Department, followed by a photo session and lunch.
Speaker Quotes
Qianjie Wang, General Manager
“Your discipline, curiosity, courage, and performance have brought you here, and I believe they will take you even further.”
Dirk Currie, Minister of Education, Science & Culture
“We can leave nobody behind when it comes to Suriname’s future. You have earned this opportunity through your own achievements, and it is because of your hard work that you are here today.”
Miquella Huur, Minister of Regional Development and Sport
“Remember, every step forward is a victory. You are not doing this only for yourselves, but also for your family, your community, and ultimately, for all of Suriname.”
Through this program, RGM contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and strengthens its ESG commitments. By empowering youth and fostering sustainable development, the Rosebel Scholarship Program reflects Zijin RGM’s vision of Value Creation and Development for All, ensuring long-term benefits for Suriname.
