A completely renovated building at the school complex of NATIN (Natuur Technisch Instituut) was officially put into use on Thursday 3 October 2024. The renovation is possible thanks to a donation from Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V. and partners TotalEnergies, Capricorn, Chevron, QatarEnergy and Decker Petroleum.
The NATIN apartment building on the Jagernath Lachmon street in Paramaribo has been completely renovated. The renovation involved the removal of asbestos roof panels and the installation of a new roof, new doors and windows and the building was completely repainted. The project cost approximately US$240 thousand. The funds were pooled together by Staatsolie, TotalEnergies, Capricorn, Chevron, QatarEnergy and Decker Petroleum. With this donation, the companies want to contribute to the technical training of young people who in their turn, can contribute to the development of themselves and Suriname. The building has nine classrooms, a chemical, medical and electrical lab, a library and computer room. From this school year onwards, students will take regular, practical and computer lessons in a stimulating environment.
The renovation of the building is part of the NATIN Upgrade project, which was initiated by Staatsolie in 2021 with a focus on local content development.
The aim of this project is to produce qualified graduates who can respond to the emerging demand in the Surinamese oil and gas industry and its spin-off. Since the start, US$2 million has been invested, of which US$550,000 by Staatsolie. This project looks at all aspects that must guarantee good education, such as good buildings, sufficient equipment and materials for practical education, up-to-date curriculum and teaching materials, and well-trained teachers. From the start of the project, new laboratory rooms have been completed, new equipment has been purchased and classrooms have been built and fully equipped with much-needed equipment.
This project has the full support of NATIN, the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, international oil companies active in Suriname, local companies and international experts. As part of the NATIN Upgrade project, the Oil and Gas course at NATIN also started in 2022. The first graduates will receive their certificate later this month.
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