On December 15, 2023, the Rotary Club of Paramaribo Quota, in collaboration with the chefs of Quota Men Cook-out 2023, donated USD 20,000. - to the Su Aid Foundation. Thanks to the high proceeds from QMCO 2023, the club was able to contribute to the admirable cause supported by this foundation. The collected funds benefit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Academic Hospital. RQ is dedicated to supporting the tiny fighters in this Intensive Care Unit. Gratitude to Suriname and the chef teams that selflessly contributed to making this annual fundraiser a success once again.

“Empowering Future Leaders in the Oil and Gas Industry” was the overall objective last Saturday, February 10th, 2024, as the Rotary Clubs of Guyana successfully hosted the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards programme, in collaboration with the Rotaract Club of Georgetown.

This year's focus was "Careers in Oil and Gas," aiming to equip young individuals with knowledge and inspiration to pursue promising careers in Guyana’s new and dynamic industry.

RYLA is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and Districts where young people ages 14 to 30 are trained to develop their skills as a leader while having fun and making connections.

The Guyana 2024 RYLA programme brought together 50 ambitious Interactors and youths from various educational backgrounds who displayed exceptional potential and interest in the oil and gas industry.

The day’s activities included a panel discussion which focused on women in the oil and gas industry which set the tone for the event. Three amazing young women who are breaking glass ceilings working both off-shore and on-shore, shared their journeys and experiences. They demonstrated amazing knowledge and confidence that truly inspired all who attended.

Designed to foster personal growth and leadership development, the programme continued with a series of engaging breakout sessions led by qualified and experienced professionals working in the oil & gas sector. RYLA 2024 concluded with an exclusive tour of the 3T EnerMech Guyana Training Centre located at Lusignan ECD, one of the first training facilities launched specifically for the oil and gas industry.

Throughout the programme, the RYLA participants were provided with a unique opportunity to engage experts and they certainly capitalized on this.

During the Month of September, designated by Rotary International as Basic Education and Literacy Month, the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central [RCGC] launched a literacy enhancement initiative in the West Ruimveldt Community in the form of after school classes.  The programme caters for 25 children ages 5 – 13 years with classes being held four days every week. The programme is scheduled to run until the end of the school year and is anticipated to achieve, at minimum, an average improvement in performance by at least 50%.

Following the first assessment in January 2024, and based on feedback from the trained tutor, most of the students showed marked improvement - surpassing the 50% assessment benchmark only after a few months of after-school classes.  An integral aspect of the project has been the contribution by the RCGC to the development of the teaching space and the provision of equipment, supplies and daily snacks as well as the sponsorship of the children’s Christmas Party.

The project exemplifies the Club’s mission of service and its dedication to creating positive, lasting impacts on the lives of those it serves, particularly the empowerment of youths and enjoys the full support of both Rotarians and Rotaractors.

Obesity among Surinamese youth has reached alarming levels, affecting the physical and mental health of our children. It is important that we take decisive action to develop healthy habits early in life.

The Rotary Club of Paramaribo Residence has supported the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture through the Childhood Obesity Prevention Program (COPP) by developing and providing a training program at 5 schools in Suriname.

The program, based on the Basic Life Skills principle, focuses on the different components of obesity prevention at school, namely:

- Awareness of obesity and its consequences;

- Promote healthier eating, and drink more water and fewer sugary drinks; - Promoting exercise at school.

To make this program sustainable, we have handed over the syllabus developed during this training to the Ministry so that the skills can be applied by teachers in the curriculum. This allows students to gain practical knowledge about making healthy food choices, understanding the importance of regular exercise and developing strategies to maintain positive mental health. By incorporating these essential life skills into the education system, we enable our children to live healthier lives and reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity.