A delegation of nineteen female students and two educators from Lycée Gaston Monnerville in Kourou, French Guiana, recently concluded an educational visit to the Suriname Diplomatic Institute (SDI) as part of their political science curriculum. The program, running from March 3-6, provided exceptional insights into international relations and governance structures.
Ambassador Miriam Mac Intosh, Director of Foreign Affairs, formally welcomed the exclusively female delegation on Wednesday—a significant coincidence given the approaching International Women’s Day on March 8. The visit was further enhanced by the participation of French Ambassador Nicolas de Lacoste and diplomatic staff from the French Embassy.
The educational program featured comprehensive presentations on Suriname’s historical background, cultural heritage, and distinctive characteristics by Ambassador Liselle Blankendal, former Surinamese ambassador to Guyana. Additionally, Ambassadors Angela Ramkisoen and Gilbêrt van Lierop, with respective service in Brazil and Belgium, shared practical expertise in diplomatic practice and international relations.
Beyond the institutional visit, the students engaged in diverse cultural and educational activities throughout their stay. They participated in Phagwa festival celebrations, visited the National Assembly, and conducted an exchange program with students from Algemene Middelbare School (AMS) in collaboration with the Women Rights Center Suriname. These sessions focused on international conventions concerning women’s rights and their practical implementation.
The program concluded with a collaborative session at Alliance Française Suriname, organized with French shipping company CMA CGM Suriname N.V., addressing women’s societal roles and career opportunities in both Surinamese and French contexts.