The Help A Star Foundation completed a successful mission to Paramaribo, Suriname in November. This mission was our debut since becoming formally registered in the Netherlands in 2021.

​The swim coaches: Sushmita “Xiomara” Getrouw, David Getrouw, Marcel Van Vendeloo, and Maddie Lablaine  were responsible for the instructional aspects utilizing the foundation’s proprietary swimming curriculum, “The Starfish Method.” They were supported by Edwin Vermetten, and Tessa Van Hout (who also acted as team physician). with assistance from local Paramaribo volunteers. Overseeing the entire project was Loes the very inspiring mom of HAS founders- Xio and Tariq Getrouw.

The team taught about 40 hearing & sight impaired children in basic swimming & drownproofing techniques that will, hopefully, protect them from accidental drowning.  The children were joining us in Paramaribo from the Kennedy School, Sudobe (Stichting Surinaamse Doven Belangen, (Foundation of Surinamese Deaf Interests) and the Louis Braille School. HAS Founder Xiomara stated: “It was a blessing to work with Deaf and the Blind community. Together we achieve much more.” These sentiments were echoed by Loes: “I thought it was a great mission that was done with all the love for people with disabilities.”

At the conclusion of the four-day program, the team met with the President of the Republic of Suriname, Dr. Chan Santokhi, Suriname Minister of Regional Development and Sport Gracia Emanuel and the Director of Sport, Dr. Gordon Touw Ngie Tjouw. These officials as well as students and staff were presented with official commemorative coins minted for this mission.

The local community as well the government of Suriname praised the efforts of the foundation and the education community in the area looks forward to the next visit of the Netherlands / USA non-profit organization. The HAS team was already looking towards 2023 and the next mission. This was made clear by Jack Getrouw: “It is beautiful to witness that love for humanity can save lives”