Localizing the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) is an activity carried out as part of the UNDP project called, “Technical Assistance to the Ministry of Regional Development.” In collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sport, special workshops on SDGs are taking place at the Vacation School Centers in 9 districts of Suriname. The workshops started on the 3rd of September 2019, and will go on till the 20th. 

Through games, art, and other recreational activities, children from ages 10 to 17 are becoming acquainted with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Posters, stickers, and a version of the Quartet card game tailor-made for teaching young learners about SDGs, are among the special Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials used in the workshops.  Along with writing, “Free Expression” canvas painting has also been incorporated as a creative way for children to express their views on and their understanding of SDGs. Students are also given the liberty to depict their own experiences with sustainable development in the world around them.

On September 21st a Closing Manifestation will be hosted at one of the centers. The groups involved with Localizing the SDGs will open up booths to showcase their IEC materials, give talks about the workshops, and about the activities they’ve carried out for the project “Technical Assistance to the Ministry of Regional Development”. As icing on the cake,  the “Free Expression” canvas paintings will be displayed for the general public.

Schedule of the vacation schools: