Brokopondo, Suriname – Suzanne Edenburg, a standout student from Johannes Gapsie Weewee Secondary School in Brownsweg, took home the top prize at the Zijin Rosebel Brokopondo Speech Contest 2024. Her impactful speech, titled “The Influence of Adult Behavior on the Youth in Brownsweg,” captivated the audience and judges alike with its deep insights into the role of adults in shaping the behavior of young people.
In her speech, Suzanne highlighted the troubling reality that even children as young as nine years old in Brownsweg are aware of where drugs are sold. She pointed out that it is often adults who sell these drugs to children, who in turn purchase them on behalf of other adults. This exposure to drug use is prevalent in the community, often occurring in plain sight on the streets and even within homes, sometimes by the children’s own parents. Suzanne passionately argued that adults must take responsibility for their behavior and set a positive example for their children. She emphasized the importance of parents establishing clear rules to instill proper behavior in their children, thereby fostering a safer and more nurturing environment.
The contest, organized annually by Zijin – Rosebel Gold Mines NV for the students of the secondary schools in Brokopondo, saw strong participation this year. In collaboration with JCI Paramaribo and sponsors such as Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V., Haukes Labour N.V., SEMC Motors N.V., Kamp Transport, and Powachiny N.V., the contest attracted 27 students, with 8 advancing to the finals held on August 31st in Brokopondo Centrum.
The final event was attended by distinguished guests, including Brokopondo District Commissioner, Ludwig Mendelzoon, Member of the Parliament, Ronnie Assabina, and the General Manager of Zijin – Rosebel Gold Mines NV, Qianjie Wang. During the opening ceremony, Mr. Wang, expressed his pride in being part of the event, sharing his own educational journey and encouraging the students to seize this valuable opportunity. He underscored the importance of public speaking as a key leadership skill, emphasizing that such opportunities were scarce during his own upbringing.
The participating students underwent a rigorous two-month training program led by certified trainers from JCI Paramaribo. The training focused on public speaking, building confidence, conveying information effectively, research skills, and proper body language and posture. Many students in Brokopondo speak multiple languages, often their mother tongue (Saamaka or Aukanisi) at home and Dutch at school. This program aimed to bridge the gap in Dutch fluency, crucial for their academic success, by equipping students with the necessary tools to overcome this challenge.
Ronnie Assabina, Member of the Parliament, representing Brokopondo in the National Assembly, emphasized the importance of public speaking skills and expressed confidence in Brokopondo’s potential to win national speech contests, given the quality displayed during the finals.
Rosebel Gold Mines N.V. remains committed to investing in the development of Brokopondo and Pikin Saramacca, located in the district of Sipaliwini, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. Education is a top priority in RGM’s strategy for 2024, reflecting the company’s dedication to the sustainable development of its host communities.
The other top performers in the contest were:
2nd place: Siyë Abelintie– Deforestation worldwide
3rd place: Rodena Vorswijk Nature and environment
4th place: Jovanna Aloeboetoe – Armoede in Suriname
5th place: Uziëlla Losa – Recognizing Marron Traditional Marriage
The winners received numerous prizes, including gift cards for school supplies, certificates of participation, awards, and laptops for the top three. This contest continues to be a vital platform for empowering the youth of Brokopondo, fostering their skills, and preparing them for future leadership roles.
