PARAMARIBO - Stichting 1 voor 12 recently handed out 329 school bags that were filled with school supplies to children from families that struggle to make ends meet. The objective of the annual School Bag Project is to help out children who lack the means to start the school year with everything they need.
Louis Vismale, chairman of 1 voor 12, explained that the foundation does more besides providing school bags. “We also provide assistance to those who need medical treatment, we provide meals to children on a daily basis and we also support children who cannot afford a tutor,” said Vismale. “Our goal is to support the next generation.” Vismale emphasized that the project received support from a network of sponsors including Badja Lalla, Keurslager and the Compagroep. He also gave special thanks to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing (Sozavo) and Minister Diana Pokie for their support.
The deputy director at Sozavo, Danielle van Windt, praised the initiative and urged the foundation to also inspire others organizations to follow its example. “It is our duty to lend a helping hand to those who can’t take care of themselves. The work of 1 voor 12 shows that it can be done in an effective manner,” said Van Windt.
Vismale also thanked the entire team at 1 voor 12 for their efforts. “I am just the face of the foundation, but without my team all of this would not have been possible. We will keep working hard to support children in Suriname,” said Vismale who added that the foundation wants to add more projects such as the construction of houses for the less fortunate.
