Etienne Elvin Joemai is a seasoned Program Manager and Education Reform Specialist based in Suriname. He currently leads two major IDB-financed initiatives, the CAIQES Program and the Skills for Growth Program (US$70 Million), where he oversees multidisciplinary teams and ensures strategic execution of programs that strengthen Suriname’s Educational System. His work bridges policy, pedagogy, and operational excellence, contributing to more inclusive and effective learning environments across the country.
Etienne’s career spans over more than two decades, with extensive experience in Program Coordination, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Academic Instruction. He has served as a lecturer at multiple institutions, including Anton de Kom University, the Teacher Training College and the Polytechnic College, where he taught Research Methodology, Strategic Management, and Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods. His previous leadership at the Statistical Support and Training Center further reflects his commitment to capacity building and institutional development.
Academically, Etienne holds a Master of Science in Public Administration (Public Sector Management) from Leiden University and a Bachelor’s degree from Anton de Kom University. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Public policy and Adult Educational Sciences, deepening his expertise in lifelong learning and educational innovation. As a Fellow, Etienne hopes to collaborate with peers across the region, share insights from Suriname’s educational landscape, and explore new strategies to empower learners and educators. He looks forward to contributing to a vibrant network of changemakers committed to transforming education through shared knowledge and vision.