¡Hasta Pronto Suriname!



My fellowship in Suriname can be summarized in one word: eye-opening. Suriname opened my eyes to a diversity I neglected in my own region. It broadened my perspective about multiculturality and how different ethnicities can co-exist harmoniously.

As a Colombian, it was a surprise to me to find such a small country in the region with such diversity: 5 cultures (Maroon, Creole, Indonesian, Indigenous and Indian) living peacefully in a vast rainforest). Despite being in South America, its cultural richness makes one feel far away from home. Every ethnicity speaks their own language: Javanese, Surinamese Hindi (Surinamese Hindi, a dialect of Bhojpuri), Saamáka, Nduyaka, etc., but they all unite through a common language:  Dutch or Sranan Tongo. Cultural differences also come together through a very diverse cuisine. You can choose from multiple cuisines (Indonesian, Indian and Creole) that have syncretized through the use of some common ingredients. Everyday meant exploring new dishes. 

Working for UNDP in Suriname was a true privilege. It allowed me to understand the challenges that Suriname is facing. It exposed me to the complexities of Surinamese politics, the challenges phased in the development space and more importantly how context and history shapes every country so differently. Through multiple questions (and my patient colleagues who answered my questions) I was able to experience Suriname like a local. I travelled throughout the country and shared valuable moments with people I will never forget. I was also able to meet with various stake-holders and public officials, broadening my understanding Surinamese public institutions, political stakeholders, NGOs' and tribal and indigenous communities. 

While it felt foreign to me to live in Suriname, the warmth of its people (and especially my wonderful colleagues) made me find a temporary home in Paramaribo. Now that I am back in New York City, I have made it my mission to talk about Suriname. To acquaint my fellow South Americans about the hidden gem of multiculturality in the west corner of the South American sub-continent. 









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