Schoolchildren in Lebi Doti learn about mercury

During a joint field visit to Lebi Doti, planetGOLD Suriname and the Medical Mission conducted a school visit focused on the importance of early awareness about the dangers of mercury.

Mercury poses serious health risks, particularly to young children. Exposure can result in long-term effects on physical and cognitive development. Providing information at an early age is therefore crucial in building a foundation for healthier communities.

During the school session, students were informed in a simple and accessible way about what mercury is, why it is dangerous, and how to protect themselves and their environment. A specially developed mercury booklet was used to support the session, explaining the topic through clear illustrations and child-friendly language.

Educating children goes beyond the classroom. Children often share what they learn at school with their parents and other community members, making them key messengers of information. In this way, knowledge spreads organically within the community and contributes to broader awareness and behavioral change.

Through this initiative, planetGOLD Surinamehighlight the power of education as a tool to reduce health risks and strengthen communities over time.

𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞

The planetGOLD Suriname project is a collaboration between the Ministry of Natural Resources and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The project aims to reduce the use of mercury in the small-scale gold mining sector, promote more responsible mining practices, and contribute to sustainable development in Suriname. The project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and supports the implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.