On Thursday, May 2nd, 2024, amidst a rainy morning, the community of Nieuw Koffiekamp gathered with excitement at their village's recreation hall. This marked a significant achievement as Rosebel Gold Mines N.V., in collaboration with the community, successfully completed the long-awaited soccer field project.

A Key Milestone

This day marked a significant milestone for both the village of Nieuw Koffiekamp and Rosebel Gold Mines N.V., as the soccer field with a length of 105m and a width of 80m, requested by the village, was finally ready for handover.

Nieuw Koffiekamp and Sport

Nieuw Koffiekamp, a village close to Rosebel Gold Mines N.V.'s operations in Brokopondo, has been eager for this development. The village is located at approximately 106 km from Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname and is home to a population of 350 residents, with a significant proportion of its youth actively participating in sports, especially soccer.

Recognizing the importance of sports, the village requested the rehabilitation of their soccer field, aiming to provide the youth with a constructive outlet and steer them away from potential risks associated with other activities. The high dependency of 80% of employed villagers in Nieuw Koffiekamp on gold mining creates a challenge in diversifying livelihoods and addressing potential risks associated with this sector. Therefore, the community's vision for the soccer field plays a crucial role in fostering development of their youth. By providing a safe and engaging space for recreational activities, the soccer field aims to channel the energy and potential of young people towards constructive hobbies and nurturing of talent for community well-being and resilience.

The journey: Rehabilitation of Soccer Field

The journey to complete this project had its challenges, including technical obstacles and interruptions due to external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the resilience and dedication of both the community and Rosebel Gold Mines N.V. prevailed.

In 2021, a renewed effort was pursuit, with active participation from all stakeholders. Villagers, both women and men, actively participated in this project. Their tasks mainly consisted of planting the soccer field with lawn grass, maintaining it by removing weeds and assisting with watering. Despite facing setbacks, the community remained determined.

During the handover ceremony, gratitude was expressed to Rosebel Gold Mines N.V. for completing the soccer field. The General Manager, Victor Wu, acknowledged the extended timeline and assured the community of improved project management in the future. He emphasized the potential of Nieuw Koffiekamp's youth in sports and provided sports equipment such as soccer balls, a medical first aid kit, a cooler box, water bottles, and other essentials to further empowerment for sport activities in the community.

“Thank you, Rosebel Gold Mines N.V., for the completion of the soccer field. Although the project took a long time, our village has now its own soccer field, which will benefit all community members”, says a female traditional leader during the handover ceremony.

The successful completion of this project highlights the transformative impact of community-led initiatives and collaboration between communities and corporations. The soccer field now serves as a symbol of resilience and unity, offering a platform for recreation, empowerment, and social cohesion within Nieuw Koffiekamp. Reflecting on the journey of this project, Rosebel Gold Mines is reminded of the endless possibilities that arise when communities unite, dreams are nurtured, and opportunities are realized.

By:  Jerry Finisie     Reviser:JIAN   Editor-in-Chief: Wang Jie