Youth in Latour Actively Engage in Creating a Cleaner Environment
On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the EMSAGS project, in collaboration with the National Environmental Authority (NMA), participated in an interactive information session at the Caprino Alendy MULO School in the Latour district. The session targeted 3rd-grade students and aimed to raise environmental awareness among youth in an accessible and educational manner.
During the session, students learned about the environmental impacts of gold mining, particularly the harmful effects of mercury use. Through an animated informational video and an interactive Q&A session, they were encouraged to think critically about the consequences for humans, animals, and nature. The students’ responses demonstrated a clear understanding of the message. They highlighted, among other things, how mercury enters the food chain through fish, the health risks for gold miners, and the damage caused to forests and ecosystems.
After a short break, the students actively engaged in a creative group assignment. Divided into five groups, they were challenged to develop a green project that contributes to a cleaner environment. They were encouraged to come up with ideas that were not only creative but also realistic and feasible. The students presented their proposals with great enthusiasm, showcasing both innovative and practical solutions.
Some notable ideas included the use of robots to remove waste from drains, creeks, and rivers; the introduction of separated waste collection per neighborhood with active clean-up teams; and strengthening environmental legislation with stricter penalties for pollution. These proposals demonstrate that young people are not only aware of environmental issues but are also actively thinking about sustainable solutions.
The activity concluded with interactive games, including an educational puzzle from EMSAGS and a memory game from NMA. All groups received gift bags, while the winning teams were given additional prizes. The session ended with a collective clean-up, leaving the classrooms neat and tidy—a fitting conclusion to an educational and inspiring day.
Through initiatives like these, the EMSAGS project continues to promote environmental awareness among youth and encourage them to play an active role in building a sustainable future for Suriname.
