The Ministry of Youth Development and Sport (JOS) has started the nationwide distribution of 25,000 school bags containing school supplies. The packages are intended for pupils from families that struggle to afford the costs of school supplies.
The project was officially launched on Tuesday, September 8, at Openbare School Latour 1. During the gathering, an initial batch of school packages was handed over.
With the initiative, the government aims to prevent children from starting the new school year insufficiently prepared due to their families’ financial situation. Its implementation was preceded by a preparatory process in which parents and guardians could register their children online.
A different approach was used for the interior. In cooperation with bestuursopzichters and district commissioner offices, an inventory was made of which families need support.
Education supports initiative
Farcia Wongsokarijo, deputy director of General Education, stressed during the launch that education forms an important foundation for the development of children and Suriname’s future.
According to her, pupils must have the necessary resources to begin their school careers with motivation. The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture therefore supports JOS’s initiative.
“By making 25,000 school packages available, we are easing the financial burden on parents and guardians. The contents of the bag may seem to consist of simple items, but for a pupil these resources can make a major difference,” Wongsokarijo said.
According to her, the school supplies can give pupils the feeling that they can start the new school year well prepared and with confidence. She called on young people to make an effort and continue believing in themselves.
Call for fair distribution
DNA member Michael Marengo, a member of the standing committee for Youth Development and Sport, said that the project means more than merely handing out school bags. According to him, it also gives pupils a message to do their best and successfully complete the school year.
Marengo called on the committee involved and implementing agencies to ensure that the school packages actually reach the children who need the support most.
Acting director of Youth Development Margo Biervliet said that the project must make a concrete contribution to the development and future of children.
“That is why we are committed to equal opportunities, youth participation and strengthening the position of young people,” Biervliet said.
Several partners are involved in the implementation, including ministries, schools, neighbourhood and youth organisations, administrative services, district commissioner offices and the media.
