The Stichting Productieve Werk Eenheden (SPWE) will train 80 young people for work in Suriname’s growing energy sector, with support from Canada. Participants will receive training in, among other things, green skills, environmental management, safe working practices and oil spill response.
SPWE has concluded an agreement for this purpose with the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). The agreement was signed on Thursday, September 10, by SPWE director Etienne Etman and Daniel Bood, Canada’s Deputy Head of Mission.
The project is called Green Skills for Youth Employment, Environmental Management and Oil Spill Response Training in Suriname and will run for six months. SPWE is responsible for implementation, while the Directorate of Central Policy Coordination and Monitoring (CBCM) of the Cabinet of the President monitors progress.
Practical training and guidance into employment
The 80 participants will be trained in environmental management, environmental monitoring, green skills, safe working practices and preparation for possible oil spills. They will also receive training in entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
In addition, the young people will be guided in their transition to the labour market. Practical exercises, including an oil spill simulation, are intended to provide them with experience that can be applied directly in the workplace.
Acting CBCM director Daniella Sumter says the project is primarily about creating opportunities. Participants will be recruited in Paramaribo, Commewijne, Saramacca, Marowijne, Para and Sipaliwini. A quota will be set for each district as the basis for selection.
Local expertise necessary
According to Bood, the emerging energy sector offers Suriname opportunities for economic growth, investment and employment. Developing local expertise is necessary, he said, to ensure that Surinamese can benefit optimally from this development.
“For a country that will soon become a major energy producer, having well-trained professionals who can prevent environmental damage, monitor consequences and respond effectively when problems arise is not merely desirable; it is essential,” Bood said.
He also stressed that economic development and environmental protection are closely linked. By investing in young people, entrepreneurship and employability in the labour market, the economic opportunities within the energy sector should, in his view, reach a larger part of society and contribute to sustainable development.
