No sidon na bakra sturuFu seri yu nengre oso bangi
Don’t sell your black man’s stool to sit on a white man’s chair (Don’t reject your own identity)

NAKS Organisation for Community Work Est. 1947

Office: Monday to Friday, 08.00 – 14.00

Thomsonstraat 8Tel. (597) 499033 / (597) 531968 E-mail: cultorgnaks@yahoo.com

PARAMARIBO-SURINAME

Information about NAKS

National identity and cultural identity in particular, are still in a process of development in Suriname, and are in need of stimulation. The Community Organization NAKS, established on 4th may 1947, carries out programmes of activities that aim to make a contribution to the process of national and cultural awareness-raising. Situated on Thomsonstraat, immediately next to a working class residential area, NAKS’s activities, homework clubs, sports activities, a range of courses, readings, social evenings, and developmental activities for young and old alike. Activities oriented more towards education and economic independence are currently being developed. NAKS differs from other community centers in that its work is not only directed at the local community, but also at the Surinamese community at large. This also affects the nature of its activities. Aside from the men and women that are regularly in NAKS, the center is visited by around 300 young people every week. The majority of these fall under the umbrella of NAKS’ Youth Department, and are aged between 6 and 25. These young people are guided in their personal development through various programmes aimed at building social skill and other basic skills. Programmes include activities such as interviewing, structuring, recording, communication, group dynamics, theatre, drama and other economically viable activities. The aim is to move towards a well structured documentation center that can be used by students and young people in general, who already are regular visitors to NAKS in search of information about African Surinamese culture. It is hoped that the center can grow into an Institute for the Promotion of African Arts and Culture. NAKS acts as an information provider to the community, and those who are interested are always welcome to visit our center.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

1. Elfriede Baarn-Dijksteel : President
2. Siegmien Power-Staphorst : Vice President

3. Gisela Holband-Babel : Secretary

4. Lucien Nijman : Treasurer

5. Joan Kassels : Member

6. Mariska Blank-Hew A Kee : Member

7. Henny Panka : Member

8. Irene Burgzorg : Member

The sections of the organization

1. Educationo Trainingo Workshopso Information
2. Cultureo Winti (song & dance)o Drama (theatre)o Apinti / talking drum (traditional drumming & kawina)

3. Mi Agida school of musico For traditional afro Surinamese music

4. Community center worko Courseso Lectureso Workshops

5. Productiono Manufacturing of cultural product (with explanation of standards and values)

6. Youth worko Cultural and educational activities

7. Senior citizenso Elderly people

8. Women’s issues

Through the work of these sections the organization strives to stimulate the various aspects of the Afro Surinamese art and culture.