Rotary Club of Paramaribo

Farewell to Ambassador Walter Oostelbos: A Celebration of Service and Fellowship

Last Wednesday marked a poignant moment for the Rotary Club of Suriname as we bid farewell to Ambassador Walter Oostelbos, who has graciously served as the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Suriname.

His tenure has been characterized by dedication, engagement, and an unwavering commitment to the community, culminating in a heartfelt farewell event that celebrated his contributions.

Throughout his time in Suriname, Ambassador Oostelbos demonstrated exceptional involvement with the Rotary Club. He was not merely a member; he was a pillar of support and engagement.

His presence was felt at numerous events, where he brought warmth and camaraderie. Walter's commitment to Rotary’s ideals was evident in every initiative he participated in, reflecting the spirit of service above self.

As we gathered at the Rotary Club of Suriname to bid a heartfelt farewell to our esteemed Ambassador, His time in Suriname has been nothing short of remarkable—filled with dedication, engagement, and a deep commitment to our community.

During the last Handing-Over Ceremony, Walter was honored with the Paul Harris Fellow Distinction, recognizing his significant contributions to the Rotary mission.

President Nessa Brahim delivered a touching speech, celebrating Walter’s achievements and presenting him with a gift symbolizing 50 years of Surinamese Independence.

Walter, your warmth and dedication have made a lasting impact. Thank you for everything you’ve done for the Rotary Club and the people of Suriname. You will be greatly missed! ❤️🤝

Launch of Online Learning Platform for Dyslexia in Suriname

On August 6, 2026, an important initiative aimed at supporting children with dyslexia was unveiled in Suriname. The event marked the launch of a free online learning platform designed specifically for parents, caregivers, teachers, remedial teachers and educational professionals.

This initiative was developed by the Stichting Rotary Suriname voor Dyslexie, with significant contributions from fellow Amanda, who worked diligently as a board member to bring this vital resource to life. President Nessa Brahim attended and opened the event with a riveting speech to signify the support of the Rotary Club of Paramaribo.

The platform serves several key purposes:

- Education: It provides comprehensive training for parents and educators, enabling them to understand the reading process understand and recognize dyslexia in children.

- Support: Participants will learn effective strategies to assist children facing reading and spelling challenges.

- Accessibility: The online format ensures that resources are easily accessible to a broad audience, making it convenient for users in Suriname.

The launch event featured several speakers who shared insights into the importance of recognizing and addressing dyslexia. Attendees learned about:

- The Nature of Dyslexia: Presenters explained dyslexia as a form of neurodiversity that can lead to persistent difficulties in reading and spelling due to challenges in automatic processing.

- The Role of Educators: Emphasis was placed on the critical role educators play in identifying and supporting children with dyslexia.

This online learning platform represents a significant step forward in supporting children with dyslexia in Suriname. By equipping parents and teachers with the necessary tools and knowledge, it aims to foster an inclusive educational environment where every child can thrive.

For those interested in accessing this valuable resource, further information can be found on the platform’s website (FB page Vereniging Dyslexie Suriname), making a meaningful difference in the lives of children with dyslexia.

🌿 Dag der Inheemsen & Javaanse Immigratie – Suriname 🇸🇷
Vandaag eren we de wortels van onze samenleving — de inheemse volken die het land zijn hart gaven, en de Javaanse gemeenschap die met moed en traditie haar plaats vond in onze geschiedenis.
Samen vormen we een kleurrijk weefsel van cultuur, taal en erfgoed.
Laten we deze dag gebruiken om te luisteren, te leren en te vieren wat ons verbindt.

🌎Insights from the Summit Duurzaam Suriname 3.0🇸🇷

On August 5th, our Rotary Club of Paramaribo held an engaging meeting featuring Minister Patrick Brunnings of the Ministry of Oil, Gas, and Environment and Fellow of the Rotary Club of Paramaribo. Minister Brunnings provided an in-depth overview of the Summit Duurzaam Suriname 3.0, which was launched on August 1st and aims to foster sustainable development in Suriname. The summit will include two working group days next week, with a concluding event scheduled for September.

Minister Brunnings emphasized the importance of collaboration across sectors to address the current challenges and promote sustainable practices in our nation. This summit serves as a platform for stakeholders to discuss and formulate actionable strategies for a prosperous Suriname.

In addition to the minister’s presentation, we were honored to host Devin Diran from TNO, who captivated the audience with his insights into Global Trends Towards 2050. His presentation highlighted key global shifts that could significantly impact Suriname’s future, urging us to consider these trends as we plan for sustainable development.

The meeting concluded with an open discussion, where members shared their thoughts. The discussions were enlightening, and we left motivated to contribute to a sustainable future for our nation.

🌍✨Green Awareness Expo 2026!✨🌍

From July 30th to August 1st, the Rotary Club of Paramaribo proudly participated in the Green Awareness Expo! We were thrilled to engage with our community and empower the next generation regarding sustainable practices.

We provided reusable bags made from recycled plastic, helping to reduce single-use plastics. But even more importantly, we shared valuable information with our youth visitors, inspiring them to be conscious of their plastic use and its impact on our environment. 🌱♻️

We urge everyone to be the difference! Thank you to everyone who visited our booth and joined us in this crucial conversation. The Rotary Club of Paramaribo will continue to work towards a greener, more sustainable future! 💚

🍃💚Join Us at the Green Awareness Expo! 💚🌿

The Rotary Club of Paramaribo invites you to celebrate sustainability and community care at the Green Awareness Expo

17 July Do. 30 en Vr. 31 van 9:00u - 18:30u
August Za. 1 van 10:00u - 20:00u

Ballroom Torarica

We'll be showcasing and selling our reusable plastic
bags - a simple step toward protecting our planet.

Carry your values with you: "SAVE THE PLANET! I DO! DO YOU?"

Come visit our booth, support eco-friendly living, and be part of the change!

On Wednesday July 29th, our Rotary club held a memorable meeting at the Waag, featuring inspiring presentations and a spirit of community support.

Dirk Currie on Young Leadership and Technology

We welcomed Dirk Currie, Suriname's Secretary of Education, who discussed the importance of nurturing young leaders and integrating technology into education. He emphasized fostering creativity and critical thinking to prepare the next generation for future challenges. This prompted engaging discussions among Rotarians about enhancing local educational practices.

Suriname at the Physics Olympiad

A group of talented students shared their experiences from the 56th International Physics Olympiad in Colombia, where they showcased their passion for physics and teamwork. Their dedication earned them special recognition, inspiring fellow members to support initiatives that empower youth.

Generous Community Donation

The meeting also featured a heartfelt anonymous donation from a newlywed couple for our neighborhood project, The Hub, aimed at promoting community engagement and local development. This generous act exemplified the spirit of giving within our club.

The meeting highlighted the achievements of our youth and the importance of education and community support, igniting hope for Suriname's future. It served as a reminder of the significant impact dedicated individuals can make in their communities as we champion initiatives for education and generosity.

🌍💚 Join Us at the Green Awareness Expo! 💚🌍

The Rotary Club of Paramaribo invites you to celebrate sustainability and community care at the Green Awareness Expo.

📅 July Do. 30 en Vr. 31 van 9:00u - 18:30u

August Za. 1 van 10:00u - 20:00u
📍 Ballroom Torarica

✨ We’ll be showcasing and selling our reusable plastic bags – a simple step toward protecting our planet.
Carry your values with you: “SAVE THE PLANET! I DO! DO YOU?” 🌱

Come visit our booth, support eco-friendly living, and be part of the change! 💛💙

On Tuesday, July 21, the Rotary Clubs of Suriname convened at the historic Elisabeth Samson House, a testament to the country's rich heritage and one of Paramaribo's oldest wooden structures. The gathering, spearheaded by Cynthia Mc Leod—an ardent advocate for the building's restoration—spotlighted the remarkable legacy of Elisabeth Samson, a figure often overlooked in history.

Born in 1715 as a free black woman in Suriname, Samson emerged during an era marked by slavery and deep societal inequality. Defying the odds, she became a pioneering entrepreneur and plantation owner, ultimately amassing significant wealth and earning the distinction of being the first black female millionaire in the Americas. Her story is not just one of personal triumph but also a symbol of resilience and tenacity against a backdrop of adversity.

Mc Leod shared poignant anecdotes about Samson's life and her enduring influence. She highlighted how Samson's business acumen paved the way for future generations, illustrating the profound impact one individual can have on the course of history. Furthermore, many attendees learned that the Elisabeth Samson House also housed the Willemschool, the first public school in Suriname — a significant milestone in the nation’s educational landscape.

As a special highlight, attendees were treated to an exclusive preview of the nearly completed Elisabeth Samson Museum, which aims to honor her legacy and educate future generations about her contributions. This gathering was not just a meeting; it was a celebration of history, a connection to the past, and a renewed pride in the cultural heritage of Suriname, embodied in the remarkable life of Elisabeth Samson.