Since 2020, Hadassah van der Jagt has been actively involved in global sustainable development, working on various initiatives both at her university in Leeuwarden, Netherlands, and internationally. A key moment was her attendance at the Stockholm +50 UN conference in Sweden, where she was profoundly inspired by an African activist’s message: “Change starts at home.” This experience fueled her commitment to advancing sustainability in her home country.
Driven by this newfound resolve, she pursued studies in International Relations and Global Social Development in Bangkok, focusing on sustainable initiatives in Thailand. After returning to Suriname, she channeled her passion into action by founding Up To You Foundation, with the mission of fostering a sustainable future for Suriname.
The organization with the official name of Up To You Foundation by Van der Jagt, was founded in April 2023, and launched on 1
st of June 2023.
Working together, we believe we can make the world a better place. Whether it’s through donations, fundraising, or events, every contribution counts. Let’s join forces to uplift communities and make meaningful changes that matter.
The foundation envisions Suriname as a leader in sustainable practices, where individuals and communities embrace environmentally friendly behaviors. They aim for Suriname to inspire other countries, demonstrating that change is possible through education, engagement, and collective action. Their efforts seek to inspire a culture of sustainability that fosters a healthier and more resilient future for everyone.
Up To You Foundation is committed to creating positive change in Suriname by promoting sustainable practices and encouraging behavioral change. Through workshops, interactive sessions, and community projects, the foundation aims to raise awareness and educate people about waste management, pollution reduction, and other aspects related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Their mission is to empower individuals in Suriname to take action and make meaningful contributions towards a more sustainable future.
The foundation focuses on driving behavioral change towards plastic waste management, aiming to inspire both children and the wider community to change their behavior. Through educational workshops, large-scale cleanups, and community collaboration, they strive to create a lasting impact on both individual and societal levels, fostering a culture of sustainability in Suriname.
The foundation primarily targets elementary school children with educational workshops and interactive sessions focused on environmentally friendly practices, particularly plastic waste management. They also plan to extend these efforts to middle schools.
The foundation also engages the broader community, encouraging sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. They aim to involve local communities in various projects, such as cleanup activities, and spread their message that sustainability is “up to you.” The foundation is committed to launching large-scale projects through sustainable collaborations.
