What does a green and liveable city look like through the eyes of children? This was the question explored by children aged 6 to 12 during the 2026 Holiday School organised by the Suriname Built Heritage Foundation (SGES), as part of an interactive activity facilitated by Tropenbos Suriname (TBS).
The Holiday School, themed “Our Heritage, Our Future,” took place from 31 August to 11 September 2026. Through workshops, presentations, excursions and creative assignments, the programme aimed to increase children’s and young people’s awareness and understanding of Suriname’s heritage.
Tropenbos Suriname contributed to the programme with an activity focused on urban green spaces. Through a playful and interactive approach, the children learned about the importance of trees and other green elements in our living environment.
From watching to designing
The activity began with a short, animated video about urban green spaces. The children watched the video in smaller groups using tablets, with a JBL speaker providing the audio.
Animation video: https://youtu.be/doFBG6OgQSg?si=_kQhddcG_ZIf40Dt
Afterwards, it was time for them to put their ideas into practice. Divided into four groups, the children received canvas maps that they could use to design their own green living environment. They decided for themselves where to create space for trees, plants and other green elements.
The activity went beyond simply arranging the different elements on the maps. The children were encouraged to build a story around their designs and think about the choices they made. At the end, each group presented its map and explained what they had included and why.
In this way, urban green spaces have become more than just a topic the children learned about. It became something they could think about, create and discuss themselves.
Building awareness from an early age
Green spaces are an important part of our living environment. By involving children from an early age in topics such as urban green spaces, nature and the design of their surroundings, they are encouraged to think more consciously about the relationship between people and nature.
The activity aligned well with the objectives of the SGES Holiday School: to increase knowledge of Suriname’s heritage while fostering respect for nature and the environment, creativity, collaboration and a stronger connection with Suriname.
During the closing event of the Holiday School on 11 September 2026, materials and results from the various activities were put on display. The children’s work on urban green spaces was also showcased, giving parents and other attendees an opportunity to see what the children had learned and created during the programme.
