This video gives an impression of some of our students, though of course, they are of not the only ones. We have worked with a total of more than 100 young people this school year.

Everyone knows how difficult and tough times are in Suriname, but our young people show that, despite everything, they have a lot of strength and perseverance. As a team, we were once again touched this year by the steps they dared to take and how much development can take place when you continue to invest in young people. Offering them tools to increase their awareness so that they know what they think, feel, do, and why! That truly makes a difference at this complex age and in a world with so many uncertainties.

Thanks from a parent of one of the young people

Last year, we once again provided an Empowerment training for the parents of our students. I would like to share a comment from one of the parents that really touched us as a team:

"I want to thank you for the work you do: strengthening the bond between child and parent(s). The work you and your team do is priceless. I now see the relationship with my daughter growing and blossoming. I am very proud of her. I understand her better and she understands me better.
Thanks to you and your team, we have a better relationship where we can laugh more, share more, be more considerate of each other, and simply enjoy each other's company. I notice that we just get along much better.
YES has given me the opportunity to love life more with my loved ones. Every parent and every child should receive this guidance at some point in their lives. Suriname would become a truly beautiful place, this is my wish for YES! You and your team are doing God's work. Your intentions are pure, and that is something you don't find everywhere or all the time.
My gratitude cannot be expressed in words, but I can say it simply and from the bottom of my heart: thank you, YES team❤.”

 

Our projects at the schools have been completed, but we are still working on a very special Empowerment project, which unfortunately we cannot reveal too much about just yet. We would however like to share some of the statements made by the participants themselves:

• “I now know that it is not my fault.”
• “I am valuable and my past does not determine who I am.”
• “I can be free.”
• “I dare to talk about it now, I don't have to be ashamed.”
• “My anger no longer controls me.”
• “I am not alone, there are people I can trust.”
• “I can restore certain family relationships.”

We have now started the initial preparations for our last project of this school year, our annual Residential Empowerment training. For updates in the coming period, follow us on Facebook

We wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and thank you for your support and interest in our mission!

YES WE CAN!

Brasa (hug) from Suriname,

Apana van Leeuwaarde