Stichting Rika needs aid

“We still have not received any support from the government but we will keep working to achieve our goals,” said Henk Amstelveen, chairman of the Foundation for the Reintegration of the Underprivileged (Rika). The foundation which has been providing shelter and re-socialization activities to the homeless and former patients of the Psychiatric Center Suriname (PCS) for over 5 years is currently in financial problem because it has to pay for everything from its own pocket and because it does not get any money from the government. Amstelveen pointed out that he is tired of asking local institutes for aid. The Rika Foundation has reportedly re-socialized more than 50 men who currently participate in clean-up projects at various locations in Paramaribo.

According to Amstelveen, the government should in fact take an interest in the activities of the foundation. If the foundation receives state subsidy, it could expand it activities and provide shelter to more homeless people and former psychiatric patients. Amstelveen is proud of everything that the foundation has achieved within the past 5 years. It takes a lot of time and energy to re-socialize the homeless men and former psychiatric patients. The chairman hopes that the government will soon realize the importance of keeping Rika’s project up-and-running for the community.