President Jennifer Geerlings‑Simons spoke at the 58th Dies Natalis of the Anton de Kom University of Suriname (Adek) on Thursday in the Centrumkerk. She said, “Ik geef u geen belofte van één of ander specifiek middel, maar wat ik u beloof is mijn inzet en wat ik van u vraag, is uw inzet.” The president pledged the government’s commitment to support the university but did not specify a financial amount. She called the occasion “a new path” and urged the university community to share responsibility for strengthening the institution. Education Minister Dirk Currie also addressed the gathering. He asked what kind of university Suriname needs for its future and what must be done today to shape that university. Currie highlighted values of human dignity, justice and equal opportunity, and stressed that no one should be left behind. He called for equal access to education for students from the interior, for students with disabilities, and for those who face financial barriers. “Accessibility means more than enrollment; it requires the guidance needed to complete a program,” he said. Currie outlined a vision in which Adek serves not only as a training institution but also as a knowledge centre that tackles national challenges. He cited oil and gas, agriculture, tourism, health, technology and climate change as areas where scientific research can contribute. Collaboration with government, business and civil society is necessary, but he warned that scientific independence must be preserved. “Researchers must be able to question prevailing views and base conclusions on rigorous evidence, even when the results are inconvenient for policymakers,” he added. The minister also addressed mental health, noting that performance pressure and uncertainty can affect students and staff. He urged the university to create a supportive environment. Currie highlighted rapid developments in technology and artificial intelligence, urging Suriname to produce its own knowledge and invest in digital infrastructure, research capacity and the development of students and faculty. Before the speeches, Adek leadership reviewed the 2025‑2026 academic year, noting progress, plans and bottlenecks. The most pressing issue identified was a shortage of resources, which hampers the university’s operations and its ability to meet future ambitions. The Dies Natalis ceremony was delivered by Silvano Tjong‑Ahin and Maureen Lichtveld. Tjong‑Ahin spoke on “Leadership and effective governance: first strengthen the government,” while Lichtveld addressed “Health, Wealth, and Leadership: What Does Green Have to Do with It?” The overarching theme was “The role of Adek as a leader in shaping Suriname’s future.”
Article source: De Ware Tijd | Image credit: De Ware Tijd