Inauguration of State-of-the-Art Classrooms Boosts Technical Education at NATIN Suriname

The Nature Technical Institute (NATIN) inaugurated three new practical classrooms on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. These classrooms, along with their accompanying equipment, were donated by ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, APA Suriname, and TotalEnergies, the international oil companies in Suriname.

The new classrooms will be used for practical lessons in the fields of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and process technology. The old classrooms were no longer suitable in terms of physical condition and layout, but were still being used. The new classrooms and associated restroom facilities are newly constructed and equipped with new and modern appliances and furniture. Shell, APA Suriname, TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, and Chevron – partners of the state-owned oil company Staatsolie – have contributed to the technical education of young people through their donation. This education, in turn, will empower the youth to contribute to their own development and the progress of the country.

The practical classrooms, totaling US$ 270,000, were sponsored by ExxonMobil (US$ 170,000) and Chevron (US$ 100,000). The equipment for these spaces was funded by APA, Shell, and TotalEnergies, approximately US$ 150,000.

These new classrooms are part of the NATIN Upgrade Project. In 2021, Staatsolie initiated this project with a focus on local content development. The project encompasses various aspects to ensure quality education, such as well-maintained buildings, sufficient equipment and materials for practical education, up-to-date curriculum and teaching materials, and well-trained teachers. The oil and gas training program, which commenced in October 2022, is also a component of the NATIN Upgrade Project. This initiative has received full support from NATIN, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture, international oil companies, local businesses, and international experts. In 2022 alone, the international oil companies and Staatsolie collectively spent US$ 800,000 on the entire project, with Staatsolie contributing US$ 250,000. Staatsolie is responsible for project management.

Next year, the renovation of the NATIN’s multi-story building and the Lower Technical School 2 are scheduled projects.

Date: 7 november 2023

Categories:  Educatie 

Tags:  Apache Corporation, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Local Content Development, NATIN, Shell, Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname NV, TotalEnergies