A new youth empowerment initiative merging education, athletic participation and personal growth has officially kicked off in Suriname, launched through a collaborative partnership between the Stichting ReGT-STREVEN foundation and Republic Bank Suriname. Titled the Stay in School Project 2025–2026, the program is built around a core mission to encourage young Surinamese students to combine their academic pursuits with structured sports engagement, build life-long personal discipline, and invest in holistic personal development.
The official opening ceremony was held on Saturday at the Mgr. Aloysius Zichem Sportcentrum, located on Prins Hendrikstraat in Suriname. Beyond connecting academics and athletics, the initiative is designed to achieve three key goals: boost regular sports participation among secondary and primary school student populations, strengthen collaborative networks between educational institutions across the country, and embed core positive values including mutual respect, self-discipline, and good sportsmanship among participating youth. The project will run through August 2 this year, concluding with a grand final competition that will cap off the months of programming.
Representatives from Republic Bank, the key corporate partner backing the initiative, noted that the program delivers far-reaching benefits beyond just athletic competition. Beyond nurturing emerging sports and academic talent, the bank emphasized that the project actively helps young people build greater self-confidence and grow their commitment to positive civic engagement in their local communities. During the opening ceremony, bank representatives reiterated the organization’s belief in the critical role of targeted community programs that support young people’s growth through positive, constructive pathways.
Following the formal launch proceedings, the first round of competitive matches got underway to mark the start of the project. In the baseball opening round, Mgr. Wulfinghschool faced off against Scholengemeenschap Sanatan Dharm, with Sanatan Dharm claiming victory in the opening matchup. The opening day of competition wrapped up with a football matchup between Scholengemeenschap Kwatta and Schakelinstituut Middelbaar Onderwijs, with Schakelinstituut taking the win in its opening game.
Through its support of the Stay in School Project, Republic Bank reaffirmed its long-term commitment to advancing youth development, accessible quality education, and community building across Suriname. The initiative is a core part of the bank’s broader corporate social responsibility program, which carries the motto “The Power to Make A Difference.”