PARAMARIBO — The Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing (Sozavo) has started preparations for the reopening of the former training center for children with disabilities at Geyersvlijt. During an orientation visit on Saturday, representatives of the ministry announced the first plans to revive the center, which has been out of use for some time.
Deputy Minister Daniëlle van Windt and Deputy Director of Categorical Social Work Rachelle Giddings took part in the visit. In the past, the center offered vocational training, entrepreneurship training and guidance to children with special needs.
“It takes a village to raise a child. We cannot do this alone. I call on everyone to contribute to the recovery of this center with knowledge, manpower or resources”
Investing in equal opportunities
According to Deputy Minister Van Windt, who is also responsible for the Office of the Rights of the Child, Sozavo wants to ensure that the center once again becomes a safe learning and development environment for children with disabilities. “It is a shame that this center has fallen into disrepair, but together with our partners and the community we want to ensure that quality education and guidance are offered here again. In doing so, we invest in the future of children with disabilities,” said the deputy minister.
For the reopening, the ministry is seeking cooperation with various agencies. For example, consultations will be held with the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture about the deployment of qualified teachers. The Ministry of Justice and Police will also be approached to provide support with the cleaning and renovation work. In addition, Sozavo wants to collaborate with organizations such as UNICEF for the further design and development of the center.
Van Windt emphasized that inclusion is central to the plans. “We can’t leave anyone behind. It is our responsibility to give children with disabilities, to the extent they are able, the opportunity to develop and fully participate in society.”
Attention to a forgotten target group
The renovated center will focus on children with various disabilities who can receive special education, practical skills and vocational training with appropriate guidance. The final content of the program will be developed in consultation with experts from special education.
According to deputy director Giddings, this group is still too often one of the forgotten target groups. “We must not forget people with disabilities. They have talents and deserve the opportunity to further develop those talents and thus independently earn a living,” she said.
Call to society
Van Windt also appealed to social organizations, the business community and citizens to support the initiative. “It takes a village to raise a child. We cannot do this alone. I call on everyone to contribute to the restoration of this center with knowledge, manpower or resources, so that together we can realize a sustainable facility.”
The budget and implementation plans will be further developed in the coming period in consultation with the partners involved. The ministry aims to put the training center back into use by mid-2027.
