Owru Yari remains a deeply rooted Surinamese tradition. Each year, Surinamese citizens and visitors welcome the new year by bidding farewell to the old one through the Pagara relay, music in the city center, widespread festivities, and the use of fireworks. While these celebrations are joyful, they also generate extremely high noise levels, which may cause irreversible hearing damage.

In response, Rotary Club of Paramaribo Quota conducted a public health awareness activity on December 31 in the city center of Paramaribo, distributing free earplugs to the public. The initiative was carried out by Rotarians of the club, supported by friends of Rotary Quota and, in particular this year, Rotaract Club BBCO.

In the days preceding Owru Yari, earplugs were also distributed to senior citizens in several residential care facilities. Additionally, hearing protection was provided to firefighters and police officers on duty in the city center during the celebrations.

An encouraging development observed during the activity was the increasing number of individuals who brought their own earplugs, including for their children. This indicates growing public awareness and demonstrates the positive impact of this initiative, which Rotary Club of Paramaribo Quota has implemented annually since 2010.

This annual community service project is made possible through the valued support of various Surinamese companies.