YES-NL FOUNDATION

The YES-NL Foundation (Stichting YES) stands for Youth Empowerment Suriname–Netherlands. The foundation was established in 2012 with the aim of financially supporting its Surinamese sister foundation, Youth Empowerment Suriname (YES), in making its projects possible.

WHAT DOES YES DO
YES contributes by offering intensive training programs, workshops, and coaching trajectories to young people in Suriname. At the heart of this is the development of a positive self-image, helping young people become aware of their qualities and talents. For more insight into our training programs and approach, please visit yes-sr.org.

HOW DOES YES DO THiS
Each year, YES offers Empowerment trainings and motivation days at public schools in Suriname, particularly within lower secondary education (MULO). Since 2015, we have also carried out an annual residential Empowerment training, where the YES team and the young people stay overnight on location.

WHY DOES YES DO THIS
In Surinamese education, the focus is mainly on the transfer of knowledge. There is very little attention for personal development, discovering talents, and learning how to deal with emotions and conflicts. Many young people in Suriname experience a lack of guidance in their social-emotional development and find it difficult to make positive life choices. A large number of young people do not continue into upper secondary education, and even within lower secondary education (MULO), dropout rates are high. There is significant potential for improvement through preventive interventions and programs.

WHY DOES YES-NL DO THIS
Suriname does not provide government subsidies for non-profit organisations. The needs across various social areas are substantial. Opportunities to secure funding from the private sector for social projects are limited. To implement its projects, YES depends on donations and gifts. People who feel connected to Suriname and its young people contribute to this work. They support the programs through recurring or one-time donations.

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