The importance of exchange visits

 In January 2011, two staff members of the MoA (LVV) participated in an international exchange visit, organized by IFAD, to El Salvador. During the exchange visit the staff members concluded that also in Suriname gender analysis and taking into account the differences between men and women in Project strategies and interventions is important, and that therefore IFAD´s “Closing the Gap” methodology would be an asset during Project implementation. Another conclusion was that providing training for the promotion for improving the confidence levels of both men and women is important, and it is essential that people know what they want, where they want to be, and how they can achieve that particular status or place. This last aspect was confirmed by staff from the Pater Alhbrinck Stichting (PAS) who in interveiws with the Final Design Mission mentioned that people well know what their problems are but often find it difficult to plan a way out, or when it comes to investment, to define what the priorities are to spend the money on. Therefore business coaching will be essential in SURIDEP.