Brokopondo, Suriname— On November 21, 2024, a groundbreaking ceremony marked the commencement of the construction phase of the Brokopondo School Complex in Suriname. This significant milestone follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding signed on October 8, 2024 by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture (MinOWC), the Suriname Environmental and Mining Foundation (SEMIF), Representatives of the Traditional Authority Brokopondo and the Rosebel Community Foundation (RCF). This project is being implemented with funds of SEMIF and RCF. Rosebel Gold Mines N.V. (Rosebel) is the sole financial provider of both foundations.
The event was attended by the Vice President of the Republic of Suriname, H.E. Ronnie Brunswijk, the Minister of Education, Science and Culture, H.E. Henri Ori, the chair of SEMIF, Mr. Linus Diko, the District Commissioner of Brokopondo, Mr. Ludwig Mendelzoon, representatives of the Traditional Authority Brokopondo and the chair of RCF, Qianjie Wang, who is also the General Manager of Rosebel Gold Mines.
As part of the ceremony, Traditional Authorities held a tuwe wata/ daan (pouring of water/ rum) ceremony, a maroon cultural practice which represents a praying ritual. During this ceremony the ancestors were honored and called upon to bless and guide the project towards successful completion, but also for protection, safety and prosperity for all stakeholders involved.
Addressing Local Challenges
Suzanne Edenburg, a secondary school student in Brokopondo, highlighted during her speech the transformative impact of the project. She further explained that students who attended secondary school in Paramaribo and other districts, currently, need to catch a bus in the early hours of the morning, and arrive back home late in the afternoon. This leads to a high number of students dropping out and leaving the education system. The new school complex marks a significant milestone in the education of her district, as it will provide accessible education within her community.
Broader Development Efforts
SEMIF Chair, Linus Diko, emphasized the foundation’s ongoing projects which include projects in agriculture. He explained the responsibilities of the organization he represents and expressed gratitude to Rosebel Gold Mines and Grassalco N.V. for their contributions in this project.
Government and Stakeholder Commitment
Mr. Henry Kaffé, the Head Captain of the Nieuw Lombe community and chair of the traditional authorities’ platform of Brokopondo, reiterated that the community should contribute more in the development of the district.
District Commissioner Mendelzoon encouraged students to do their best to perform well, as this has a direct impact on the future of the school complex and the district. As the performance of the students improves, more teachers will be interested in coming to work in this school complex and more resources can be allocated for future educational projects, such as a technical school, tourism education and a center to assist and redirect drop-outs.
The Vice-President, H.E. Ronnie Brunswijk, expressed his satisfaction with the milestone and that he looks forward to the official opening of the school complex. Furthermore, he suggested that the opening be held on October 1, 2025, to coincide with the upcoming new school year. He and the Minister of Education, H.E. Henry Ori, are willing to collaborate, on behalf of the Government of Suriname, to ensure that this goal is reached.
The General Manager of Rosebel Gold Mines, whom is also the Chair of the Rosebel Community Fund, Qianjie Wang, referred to a Chinese saying which says, “rather than leaving a gold mountain to your children, better to leave them a good education”. Because gold mountain could be depleted after all, while education can be passed down generations. Rosebel Gold Mine only lasts for decades, education can teach our young people how to explore and discover new gold deposits. This initiative is a seed that is gradually growing its roots into the educational and social development of Brokopondo. Mr. Qianjie Wang ended his speech by quoting a Chinese saying “独木难成林 百川聚江海”, which means that “a single tree cannot make a forest; a hundred rivers converge into sea”. With this he invited all to plant together the seeds of hope and grow them into a dense forest.
In conclusion, by establishing this new educational institution in Brokopondo, the project is investing not only in the current generation but also in the district’s future. The school will enable more young people to achieve their ambitions without leaving their community, creating a lasting positive impact on Brokopondo, surrounding areas, and Suriname as a whole.
