PROJECT: SURINAME

EMPOWERING GIRLS is an ongoing World Service Project originated by the Rotary Club of Paramaribo Residence and funded, in part, with help from The Rotary Clubs of Pocatello, Idaho.  Underserved Surinamese girls can enroll in an 8 week course free of charge.  In the course they learn to sew and are taught entrepreneurial skills so they can run their own businesses!  Students produce and sell 100 handmade handbags and earn their own sewing machines!

FRIENDSHIP SERVICE TEAM FROM IDAHO, USA VISIT SURINAME.  In November 2022  six members of the Rotary Clubs of Pocatello, Idaho formed a humanitarian service team.  They traveled from Idaho to Paramaribo, Suriname in South American to engage in a Rotary Service & Friendship Tour.   Team members met with enthusiastic members of the Paramaribo Residence Rotary Club and contributed $6,300 in funding to help towards the purchase of materials, sewings machines, and instructors to kick of the course.  

RESIDENCE CLUB LAUNCHES PROJECT.  Agnes Moensi-Sokowikromo, (center in green) President of the Residence Club, initiated and launched the project.  The grant funds were used to purchase training and supplies for an educational program that teaches underserved girls in Suriname skills in sewing.  The classes are hosted at the WaaldijkCollege who is also a partner of RC Paramaribo Residence in the I-Syi Empowering Girls project. The program is an 8 week course that trains the girls in producing the hygiene pads and designer shopping bags. The team visited this project in person and assisted in purchasing materials and supplies. 

CLASSED TAUGHT.  The WalldijkCollege provides the classroom and security for the sewing machines, materials, and supplies.  They also provide the course instructor.  Eighteen girls were enrolled in the class at last count.  More are being recruited.  The WalldijkCollege is also a beneficiary along with the course instructor.  

MATERIALS PURCHASED.  The Rotarians raised money, shopped for supplies, visited the school, observed the training, interviewed the students and attended one of the classes.  Rotaians shared the vision of Rotary with the students and explained the sponsorship being provided to make their class possible.   

BAGS IN IDAHO.  Team members brought several bags home to share with friends and family members.  Many Rotarins throughout Rotary District 5400 in Idaho also supported the project and purchased these lovely hand-made bags.