On February 16, 2025, a certificate award ceremony was held at the Foundation for Labor Mobilization and Development (SAO). A total of 16 young individuals participated in a welding training program and successfully completed it. Staatsolie is a proud sponsor of this initiative.

"We are thrilled to have been able to contribute to this project," said the SAO director, Ms. Joyce Lapar, expressing her delight over the collaboration. "Thanks to Staatsolie, we were able to offer these young people the opportunity to develop into qualified welders at no cost."

Recognized by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture (MINOWC), this training serves as a stepping stone for the students' future careers. The program, divided into Welding Level 1 and Welding Level 2, was initiated as part of a larger project aimed at supplying qualified personnel to Suriname's job market. We take pride in the outcomes and the positive impact it will have on their future.

Established in May 1981, the Foundation for Labor Mobilization and Development (SAO) has played a crucial role in supporting employment in Suriname. SAO provides young people from the age of 16 with opportunities to receive vocational training, preparing them adequately for entry into the job market. The foundation focuses particularly on youth who left school prematurely, aiming to enhance their employment prospects. By offering vocational training that meets international standards, SAO not only aims to contribute to the youth's development but also strives to be a key player in Suriname's job market. Collaborating with businesses and institutions, SAO endeavors to supply qualified personnel that meet the market's needs.

This welding training program builds upon past successes, such as a similar initiative in 2011 that trained nearly one hundred welders, also in partnership with Staatsolie. Currently in phase 1, the project plans to proceed with a second group of students who will complete Welding Level 2.

Through this project, we have not only provided students with opportunities but also made a significant contribution to the development of qualified personnel in Suriname—a future investment of which we are proud!