in the Indira Gandhiweg. The project that is aimed at giving 25,000 schoolbags to children from families that struggle to make ends meet is an initiative of the Ministry of Youths Development and Sports (JOS) as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each schoolbag contains things that the children need at school such as exercise books, a ruler and a sketchbook. JOS Director Margo Biervliet, AVO Deputy Director Farcia Wongsokarijo, MP Michael Marengo from the permanent JOS committee and the secretary from the Paramaribo South District Commissioner’s Office, Judith Kiene, attended the official launch. Kiene reportedly represented DC Wennys Vijfhoven. Charisma Bijlhout, representative of the schoolbag project, members of the Schoolbag Committee 2026 and pupils from Pontbuiten, Latour, Livorno and Beekhuizen were also present at the launch. Wongsokarijo who represented Education Minister Dirk Currie emphasized the importance of education for the development of children and the future of Suriname. She also explained that by providing school supplies children could start the new school year with more confidence while the financial pressure on parents is lessened. Kiene pointed out that many parents make a lot effort to send their children to school. She urged them to keep guiding and encouraging their children to do their best. MP Marengo emphasized that the 25,000 schoolbags are just the beginning and urged the committee and all of the agencies involved to expand the project so that more children can receive a helping hand. He explained that each schoolbag comes with responsibility. “At the end of the school year we expect a diploma or a report card that indicates that you have graduated or passed”, said MP Marengo. Biervliet pointed out that the JOS Ministry wants to make sure that there are equal opportunities for all children and youths. “Investing in our children is investing in the future of Suriname”, said Biervliet.