LocationsA day of reconnection and renewal
Grantee Comeback Day
May 22, 2025
One of the grantees is presenting her work to the audience
UNDPSURINAME/MAY 2025
“It was worth participating in.” That was the shared sentiment at the close of Grantee Comeback Day, held on Monday 21 May 2025, in the main conference hall at the UN House. The purpose of this day was about reconnection and renewal—creating a safe space where grantees could learn from one another, share experiences, and strengthen the Small Grants Programme (SGP) Suriname network across the country.
Additionally, the event focused on team building, capacity-building, and visioning activities to support the grantee’s future success.
Berdi Berdiyev, Deputy Resident Representative addressing the grantees
UNDPSURINAME/ MAY2025
Berdi Berdiyev, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Suriname, emphasized that the Small Grants Programme is a globally recognized initiative of the GEF, implemented by UNDP, supporting community-level projects with meaningful environmental and social impact. In Suriname, your efforts—whether in biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, or traditional knowledge—are making a real difference.
“We are proud of the role you play in advancing environmental justice and community empowerment. For the sake of continuity, please know that our commitment to you and the success of SGP in Suriname remains resolute,” said Berdiyev with a smile. A total of 9 grantees participated in this capacity-building event.
Wendeline Sabajo, an assistant at Cooperative Borodong Matta G.A. (COBOMA G.A.), shared her experiences with the project, the challenges encountered, and the valuable collaboration with other community organizations.
Mrs. W. Sabajo, assistant at Cooperative Borodong Matta G.A. presenting their achievements
UNDP SURINAME/ MAY 2025
“I had a very positive experience,” said Sabajo. “We realized that we are not alone. Other organizations are facing similar challenges. This gave us both recognition and motivation to continue building together.”
In addition to COBOMA G.A., the following organizations participated in the project:
Foundation Algemeen Buurt Werk Flora B (STG. ALBUFLO), Foundation Duurzame Ontwikkeling, Welvaart en Welzijn Boven-Coppename (STIDOWWEB), Medical Mission, Children’s University, Foundation Lang en Lemmert Institute for Personal Development, Foundation for Research and Development of Caribbean Communities, Foundation Wederopbouw en Ontwikkeling Pokigron and Pater Ahlbrinck Foundation
COBOMA G.A., active since 2011, has long been involved in community development through small-scale projects, including collaborations with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries (LVV). This project – their first large-scale initiative in partnership with SGP – provided the organization with an opportunity to grow. Sabajo became more actively involved when the financial reporting temporarily stalled. “At that point, as the village head and a member of COBOMA G.A., I said, ‘We must continue.’ Thanks to the support from SGP, particularly from Stephanie Lauchman, we were able to move forward.”
She praised the role of SGP in the process: “They are open to questions, offer clarification, and show patience. This helps organizations like ours to become stronger structurally.”
Although the project was originally set to be completed by the end of 2024, some delays led to an extension. COBOMA G.A. hopes to receive the second portion of the funding soon and looks forward to a possible second extension. “We aim to complete the project before the new final deadline.”
One of the grantees presenting their projects
UNDP SURINAME/ MAY 2025