The renovation of Openbare School Julius Lobato is in its final phase. USD 85,000 has been made available for the work by two Chinese organisations: Wencheng donated USD 50,000 and stichting Zhejiang Shang contributed USD 35,000.
With the funds, doors, walls, ceilings and columns have been replaced, among other things. The toilets and water system have also been refurbished, and the school has received a complete paint job. A completion date has not yet been announced.
According to district commissioner Wennys Vijfhoven of Paramaribo-Zuid, the project was made possible in part through the efforts of the bestuursdienst (district administration). During a visit to Wencheng County, in the Chinese province of Zhejiang, the first donation of USD 50,000 was pledged. The chairman of Zhejiang Shang later made a further USD 35,000 available.
Vijfhoven said that O.S. Julius Lobato was deliberately chosen to provide pupils with a safe and suitable environment. Satish Chandai, representative of the Kabinet van de President (Office of the President), also expressed his appreciation for the donations. According to him, it must be ensured that children can attend school in a healthy environment.
