In Surinam a large part of students from disadvantaged social backgrounds are having trouble finishing primary education without retaking classes. Over 40% repeaters in one class and repeating the same class several times are a much common phenomenon. This brochure will give you an outline of the situation and a brief programme on how to improve such schoolcircumstances. In the years 1984-1995 a pilot of the programme has taken place. The follow-up has up till now paid off. On the basis of this successful experience the ‘Leri for Life’ was developed. A programme in which young children are presented with much more opportunities in life. This brochure will interest those who are dealing with educational problems in primary schools in Surinam.