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The Board
The Board
Local President
Local President
Nicole Pawirodirjo: A Rollercoaster Year of Leadership and Growth in 2021
Describing her year as JCI Urban Local President in 2021, Nicole Pawirodirjo uses one word: rollercoaster. It was a year filled with both thrilling highs and challenging lows—set against the backdrop of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“I was excited to start the year, even with the uncertainties of the pandemic,” Nicole recalls. “But as the year progressed, balancing my personal challenges with the responsibilities of being Local President became tough. Still, thanks to the unwavering support of my fellow members, I was able to end the year successfully.”
Some of her proudest accomplishments include initiating several valuable partnerships and leading JCI Urban to victory as the Syma Quiz champions—breaking a 7-year streak. These moments of success were hard-earned and deeply fulfilling.
Nicole credits JCI Urban for pushing her out of her comfort zone. “As cliché as it sounds, it’s true. I’ve learned more about myself, discovered my leadership style, and improved my people skills. One of the biggest lessons I’ve taken with me is that it’s okay to slow down, take a breather, and then keep going.”
More than leadership growth, Nicole treasures the friendships she built within the organization. “These are friends with whom I can have endless conversations about anything in life. They’ve become so close to my heart.”
Among her most memorable moments was a cozy, reflective “meeting after the meeting” at Past President Xaviera’s parents' house. “We talked until the sun came up—it was such a genuine, beautiful moment,” she says. Another major highlight was the launch of the SDG Awareness Murals in Lelydorp, a project Nicole initiated during her presidency. “It was an intense project, but seeing it come to life exceeded all my expectations.”
To current and prospective JCI Urban members, Nicole offers this heartfelt message: “Step outside of your comfort zone and open yourself up to personal growth. Become the best version of yourself—and don’t forget to have fun while doing it!”
Nicole’s journey in 2021 is a powerful reminder that even during uncertain times, with resilience and the right support system, growth and impact are always within reach.
Hemerley Sandjon
Local Secretary
Tanja Kolader
Local Vice President
Merely Deel
Local Treasurer
The Theme
The Theme
The theme "Inspire to RISE" draws its roots from the JCI RISE initiative, which was introduced at the end of 2020. RISE — short for Rebuild, Invest, Sustain, Evolve — aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and focuses on three key areas:
Mental Health Awareness: SDG #3
Workforce Empowerment: SDGs #1, #4, #8
Business Recovery: SGDs #9, #11, #12
Amid the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic, our mission was to help our community remain resilient and empowered during challenging times.
Popular Projects
Popular Projects
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A Special Year Opening
A Special Year Opening
At the start of the year, strict Covid-19 measures were still in place — from restrictions on gatherings to designated days for grocery shopping. As a result, we were unable to host our traditional New Year’s retention event. This called for a creative approach.
Within JCI Urban, many of our members are entrepreneurs who were also feeling the economic strain of the pandemic. Inspired by the RISE initiative, we turned our focus to Business Recovery and launched a unique start to the year.
In collaboration with local small businesses, we introduced the “JCI Urban Special Year Opening” — a package of exclusive discount vouchers. These vouchers were personally delivered to our members by the Local President and Local Secretary, adding a personal touch to the initiative.
The outcome was twofold: not only did it provide a modest sales boost for participating businesses, but it also expanded their customer base through word-of-mouth promotion.
This project contributed to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by supporting local entrepreneurship and stimulating small business activity during a challenging period.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – by fostering collaboration between JCI Urban and local enterprises for community-based recovery efforts.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – by promoting mental well-being through social connection and solidarity during a time of isolation.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to the small businesses who partnered with us:
Kasan Snacks
Yaya Fresh
Mere's Tropical Juices
Bloemisterij Gito
Go Green Go Healthy
Share A Book with Urban
Share A Book with Urban
As part of our identity, Urbanites are proudly knowledge-driven — self-proclaimed nerds who have long enjoyed reading and exchanging books among ourselves. So when a few members suggested expanding this passion to the broader community, the idea for a community bookcase was born.
The concept was simple but powerful: borrow a book for free, and donate one in return. In collaboration with the District Commissioner of Wanica Zuid-Oost, a bookcase was set up, and a collection of books was gathered, sorted, and made available to the public. This initiative was proudly led by Director Jurn Kolader.
The project supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 4 – Quality Education: by making knowledge accessible through free book sharing
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: by empowering people through learning
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: through collaboration with the District Commissioner
The bookcase remains active to this day, with more books being donated and borrowed — a true testament to the power of shared knowledge and community spirit.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Murals in Lelydorp
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Murals in Lelydorp
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) serve as a key inspiration for JCI’s mission and activities. In this Decade of Action, we aimed to raise awareness of the SDGs within our community through the power of art — using vibrant murals to bring color, meaning, and conversation to public spaces. This initiative was proudly led by Director Mehzabeen Ramsaroep.
This awareness campaign focused on two main themes:
1. Community Contribution to the SDGs
1. Community Contribution to the SDGs
The first mural symbolizes how the community plays an active role in achieving the SDGs in their own way. This is depicted through a tortoise carrying all 17 SDGs on its back, representing the strength and steady progress of the people of Lelydorp.
One key example is the Pasar Lely, held every Sunday — a vibrant hub of entrepreneurship. Local vendors in agriculture, food, woodcraft, construction, and mechanical services showcase the community’s natural drive to build a better future. These efforts directly contribute to the following SDGs:
SDG 1: No Poverty – by providing income-generating opportunities for small business owners.
SDG 2: Zero Hunger – through the promotion of local agriculture and food production.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by supporting entrepreneurship and informal sector jobs.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – by strengthening local economies and social ties.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – through local, small-scale, sustainable business practices.
📍 Location: The mural is painted on the Emile Brielle Stadium, situated on Krerekrerelaan, Lelydorp.
2. Mental Health Awareness (SDG 3)
2. Mental Health Awareness (SDG 3)
The second mural is dedicated to promoting mental well-being among youth, aligned with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. The artwork encourages self-awareness, self-love, and the importance of caring for your mental health, especially among students and young people navigating modern-day pressures.
📍 Location: This mural is located on the Emile Brielle Stadium at Kotomissielaan, Lelydorp. It faces the Johannes Vrolijkschool, and is surrounded by several other educational institutions — making it an ideal spot to inspire and uplift students attending both day and evening classes.
This project began in 2021 and was made possible through collaboration with key partners:
United Nations Suriname
Lelydorp Sportbond
Rachel Nijmann
Haselhoef N.V.
The official launch of the murals were scheduled for 2022.
Other Highlights
Other Highlights
2021 Syma Quiz Champions
2021 Syma Quiz Champions
After several years of absence, JCI Urban made a triumphant return to the annual Syma Quiz in 2021 — and reclaimed the title of Syma Quiz Champions!
The quiz team included observers Shariska Karimin and Sherien Ramsaroep, along with fellow member Mehzabeen Ramsaroep. They were expertly coached by Past Officer Suzanne Essed and Past President Samuel Jabini.
As champions, we proudly brought home the challenge trophy, prizes for our participants, and a cash prize of SRD 7,500, which was invested into future JCI Urban projects.
2021 National Convention
2021 National Convention
The 2021 National Convention was all about unlocking "the superhero within you." For JCI Urban, it marked a powerful return — winning two prestigious awards after our last recognition in 2018!
Best Local Personal and Development Program
Awarded for our "Stairway to Be Outstanding" program — an onboarding journey for Observers and prospective members. Launched in 2020, this initiative continues to guide and empower new members today.Best Local Business and Entrepreneurship Program
Earned through our impactful Special Year Opening, created in collaboration with local small businesses to support economic recovery and build community connections.
These achievements made 2021 a true comeback year, celebrating our team’s creativity, resilience, and commitment to making a difference.
Nomination of JCI Senator 80099 Maikel Stephan Tjoe-Ny
Nomination of JCI Senator 80099 Maikel Stephan Tjoe-Ny
Maikel Tjoe-Ny is one of the founding members of JCI Urban. Throughout his time with the organization, he has played a key role in fostering the development of new leaders. He has held various board positions and served as Local President in 2014. His leadership style is defined by leading through example.
In 2019, Maikel reached his 40th birthday, marking the end of his eligibility for membership. However, as always, JCI Urban could count on Maik’s continued support and involvement! Within the Lelydorp community, Maikel is a well-known figure. He has initiated several impactful projects, including:
Djompo Waka: A weekly early-morning 5k walk on Sundays, bringing together community members to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Lelydorp Marktplaats on Facebook: A platform designed to give small businesses a place to sell their products, which has since grown exponentially.
With his significant impact both within JCI and his local community, Maikel was nominated as JCI Senator, with support from JCI Suriname. His nomination was honored, and he was officially inducted as JCI Senator 80099 Maikel Stephan Tjoe-Ny!
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