Suriname has inaugurated a comprehensive national initiative designed to transition vulnerable populations from poverty to sustainable employment and entrepreneurship. The Suriname Labour Intelligence Platform (SLIP), launched officially by President Jennifer Simons on Friday at the Anthony Nesty Sporthal, represents a strategic governmental effort to coordinate and enhance existing vocational training programs across the nation.
President Simons emphasized that poverty constitutes more than merely financial insufficiency during her address at the launch ceremony. “It encompasses social isolation and dependency cycles. For building a sustainable economy, active participation from all Surinamese citizens becomes imperative,” she stated, acknowledging that while various ministries currently offer training programs, significant segments of society remain underserved.
SLIP will function as the central coordination mechanism for vocational training, entrepreneurship development, and personal growth initiatives. The platform specifically aims to create tailored pathways for different target demographics, emphasizing practical, hands-on training in technical skills, business management, and workforce readiness. Implementation will include rigorous monitoring to assess effectiveness and guide potential expansion.
Special attention will be directed toward three key groups: women constrained by childcare limitations from entering the workforce, at-risk youth, and early school leavers. Minister of Youth Development and Sport Lalinie Gopal highlighted that young people would receive comprehensive coaching and mentorship to secure employment or launch entrepreneurial ventures.
The platform will operate nationwide with its central headquarters located in Paramaribo. Registration and informational resources are accessible through the official government portal at slip.gov.sr, creating a unified access point for citizens seeking to benefit from the program’s offerings.