Since its founding in 2012, JCI Urban has primarily focused on community development, often at the expense of leadership training and member development. Over the years, the chapter has faced challenges in maintaining leadership continuity, as board members frequently stepped down after short terms due to a lack of experience, guidance, and clear developmental pathways. Additionally, limited membership fees and a stronger emphasis on fee collection over member growth have further slowed progress.
To address these issues, JCI Urban planned to use the first half of 2019 to build stronger internal systems. This included implementing structured training programs, clearly defining member roles, and enhancing collaboration with JCI Suriname. With support from the National Organization (NOM), these efforts aimed to create a more sustainable and leadership-focused foundation for the chapter.
On November 26, 2018, during a general meeting, three key motions were adopted to support this transformation. First, the monthly membership fee was increased from SRD 35.00 to SRD 75.00 starting January 2019, with discount options for half-year and full-year payments. Second, an experienced interim board was appointed along with mentees to ensure proper leadership development and prepare for elections in August 2019. Third, the interim board members were officially installed.
These strategic changes marked a turning point for JCI Urban, aiming to close leadership gaps, invest in member growth, and strengthen the chapter’s operational sustainability.
Interim Local President
Samuel Jabini
Interim Local Secretary
Sjefilijefie Kartooetomo
Interim Vice President
Jurn Kolader
Interim Local Treasurer
Rajiv Hieralal
In 2019, a new tagline was introduced: "Developing leaders for a changing world." This marked a strategic shift to refocus JCI’s core ideas and concepts, ensuring that all initiatives and outreach efforts were viewed through the lens of personal development and leadership growth. The ultimate goal was to create more meaningful value for each individual member as they prepare to navigate the future.
Aligned with this new direction, President Alexander Tio shared a powerful message:
"Inspire youth. Inspire leaders. Inspire change."
A new logo was also unveiled to visually support the theme.
JCI Urban embraced this focus, as it perfectly aligned with the chapter’s own efforts to refocus and evolve on a local level.
The Stairway to Be Outstanding (STBO) project was launched with the objective of redefining the path to JCI Urban membership while fostering personal leadership development. Spearheaded by Interim Vice President Jurn Kolader, with support from Senator Rajiv Hieralal and committee members Sarida Pirbux and Nicole Pawirodirjo, the project built upon the JCI Suriname Membership Profile (2018) and was complemented by the Broki Program from JCI Paramaribo.
Together, these resources shaped JCI Urban’s unique membership development model: the Stairway to Be Outstanding. The STBO framework outlined key milestones for observers to reach, including completing the M&E Drive Training, active participation in project or PR committees, understanding the history of JCI Urban, and meeting financial obligations.
In October 2019, the first group of 11 observers began this journey, starting with a tailored M&E Drive Training that covered essential topics such as Parliamentary Procedures, Effective Speaking, and the Active Citizen Framework—setting a strong foundation for engaged and well-equipped new members.
JCI Urban, in partnership with Trustbank Amanah, launched a two-day Community and Small Business Financial Empowerment Project with the goal of promoting financial inclusion. The main objective was to help unbanked individuals become bankable, addressing the cash-heavy nature of the Surinamese economy.
By bringing the bank directly into the community, we aimed to make financial services more accessible, while also raising awareness of the long-term benefits of becoming bankable—such as safer money management, access to credit, and economic growth.
Day 1 <Insert date> : Held at the Convezomag Community Market, Nieuwe Grond
Day 2 <Insert date> : Held at the Pasar Lely Community Market, Centrum Lelydorp
Instead of requiring people to visit a bank branch, we flipped the script: the bank came to the people, right in the heart of their local markets.
Participants had the opportunity to:
Open accounts
Learn about financing options for small businesses
Ask questions directly to banking representatives
Understand the importance of financial literacy
The project also served as a membership outreach opportunity for JCI Urban, engaging with community members who shared our mission for sustainable development and empowerment.
SDG 1 & 8: Promoting financial access to reduce poverty and grow local economies.
SDG 10: Reducing inequalities by empowering underserved groups.
SDG 11: Supporting community resilience through financial tools.
SDG 17: Partnering for sustainable development.
This project empowered individuals, boosted local businesses, and brought services directly to the heart of the community.
To build on the momentum of the financial empowerment initiative, JCI Urban organized a Networking Night on <Insert date> for local entrepreneurs and community members. The main objective was to create an open, accessible space for small businesses to explore alternative financing options and build financial confidence.
During this evening, participants were introduced to Trustbank Amanah’s unique financial products, which differ from those offered by traditional commercial banks. As an Islamic bank, Trustbank also emphasized its inclusivity—welcoming clients from all backgrounds, regardless of religious affiliation.
Attendees had the opportunity to:
Open bank accounts on-site
Engage in one-on-one conversations with banking representatives
Ask questions about financing opportunities tailored to small businesses
SDG 1 – No Poverty: Providing access to financial tools helps reduce economic vulnerability.
SDG 8 – Decent Work & Economic Growth: Empowering entrepreneurs with financing to grow their businesses.
SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Promoting inclusive banking options for underserved groups.
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthening community-bank collaboration to support sustainable growth.
This networking event reinforced the goal of financial inclusion and community
On March 4, 2019, JCI Urban was honored to welcome Dean Gorré, Head Coach of the Suriname National Soccer Team, as the Keynote Speaker at our General Meeting. He shared his powerful and personal journey with our members and guests — a story filled with valuable life lessons and motivation. Each attendee walked away with something to reflect on and apply in their own path.
Some of his key messages included:
“Be the best you can be every day.”
“Don’t be your own opponent.”
“Set goals and make sacrifices.”
At its General Meeting on Monday, March 8, 2019, JCI Urban had the honor of welcoming Dr. Eddie Jharap, former Director of Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname, as its Impact Speaker.
He shared an inspiring message centered around the power of passion and determination: "Inspiration… When you truly want something and work incredibly hard for it, it will come to you."
At the JCI Urban General Meeting on Monday, May 20, 2019, we had the pleasure of welcoming Shai’ira Zuiverloon as our Impact Speaker — the youngest Boeing 737 pilot in Suriname.
She inspired us with her powerful message: “If you can dream it, you can achieve it! If you have a dream, go for it! It’s all about hard work, dedication, and determination…”
During the JCI Urban General Meeting, Mrs. Norma Blom, Branch Manager of one of Suriname's largest banks, De Surinaamsche Bank, served as the keynote speaker. She shared her personal experiences and valuable insights on leadership, particularly as a female leader in a close-knit community like Lelydorp. Drawing from her professional journey, Mrs. Blom highlighted the importance of serving the community, especially small businesses, through accessible and reliable financial services. Her message reinforced the role of leadership in building trust and supporting economic growth at the grassroots level.
On July 6, 2019, JCI Urban had the honor of hosting 2019 JCI Vice President Nadja Maraite at the JCI Urban Network Evening, powered by Trustbank Amanah. Nadja shared her inspiring JCI journey, leaving a lasting impact with her heartfelt words: “I am happy to work for JCI, because it gives me the positive energy I need to do my daily job.” Her presence motivated members and guests alike to embrace the values of JCI with renewed energy.
That evening also marked a special milestone for JCI Urban, as two observers, Nicole Pawirodirjo and Gerzinho Dewman, were officially pinned as members, symbolizing their commitment to active citizenship and leadership growth within the organization.
On November 24, 2019, JCI Paramaribo hosted a lively Pancake Festival—an event that combined friendly competition among JCI Suriname chapters with fundraising through pancake sales. JCI Urban proudly took second place in the competition and successfully sold out all their pancakes, making it a double win in spirit and support. The team's success was made possible by the enthusiastic support and teamwork of dedicated Urban members and observers, showcasing both their culinary spirit and commitment to collaboration.
In October 2019, JCI Suriname organized the Suriname Leadership Academy, a national initiative aimed at strengthening leadership skills among JCI- and non JCI members.
JCI Urban was honored with three sponsored seats for this prestigious program. To select the participants, a pitch competition was held where members and observers shared their motivations for attending. The winners—Fellow Sarida Pirbux and Observers Sherwan Ramkhelawan and Isabella Wirongali—earned their spots through compelling presentations, reflecting both their enthusiasm and potential for leadership within the organization.
The Lelydorp Sports Hall project, which originally began in 2015, experienced delays due to an economic setback. However, this year marked a significant milestone as the initiative was officially revived. A declaration was signed by the Minister of Education, Science and Culture, Lilian Ferrier, and local interim president Samuel Jabini, reaffirming their commitment to moving the project forward and bringing the Sports Hall development back on track.
At the end of the year, a national economic set back brought the project to a hold once again.