Omar Overman is a humanitarian, human rights activist and communications professional with a background in business and Informatics. He has worked with and chaired several national, regional, and worldwide organizations that focus on topics such as disaster response, youth advocacy, sexual reproductive health and LGBTQ+ rights. Omar is currently the chair of the LGBT Platform in Suriname.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Voices of Equality

Omar's project trained 17 high school students in Paramaribo, Suriname, on LGBTQ+ issues such as the challenges faced by the community and taught them important debating skills and techniques. After training concluded, a debate competition was held and judged by experts in LGBTQ+ issues, education, and human rights. By fostering a sense of healthy competition, students were encouraged to engage in meaningful dialogue and develop a deeper understanding of the issues faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. The final debating competition was an excellent opportunity for students to meet peers from other schools and exchange ideas and experiences, leading to a broader perspective and more inclusive society.

 

"I learned a lot about the LGBT community, especially because I knew nothing about them. I have better understanding about them, and I learned to improve my debating skills."- Project Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Omar was a participant in the IVLP Project The Problem We All Live With: Dismantling Racial and Social Injustice organized by the U.S. Department of State and the Institute of International Education.

Omar's exchange experience led to the development of his IVLP Impact Award Project: "My IVLP experience...made me realize that [the] issue of racial and social injustice, and the parallels between the treatment of...persons of color and persons belonging to the LGBTQI+ community is an issue of power and subjugation of minorities, and one that needs to be viewed from an intersectional lens. "

U.S. Communities Visited

Montgomery, AL; Washington, DC; Chicago, IL; Tulsa, OK

Country: Suriname 

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