President Chan Santokhi recently stated in an interview with Suriname Herald that Minister Henry Ori of Education, Science, and Culture (minOWC) is actively working to find solutions for the educational issues in the interior. Santokhi emphasized the importance of education and has instructed the minister to resolve the situation as soon as possible.
“The Minister of Education is working hard to find ways to resolve this. It involves the payment of boat services, issues with supplies, and classrooms for the teachers. Children should not fall behind in their education. I have told the minister that these problems need to be solved,” said the President.
According to Santokhi, the current educational challenges are not new but stem from issues that have been ongoing for the past five to twenty years. While the minister may not be able to solve these problems in the short term, he will start taking measures to ensure that schools can open.
Investment in modern technology
Another key area for investment will be modern technology, including remote learning. “If lessons are being taught in Paramaribo, children can stay there and follow the lessons from the capital. Our country also has a system in place that can support distance learning. This directive has been given to the Minister of Education,” Santokhi added.
Teachers working in the interior have not yet returned to their posts due to the non-payment of vacation transport providers, as well as boat and bus operators contracted by minOWC. Both residents of the interior and educators are disappointed that students living in the remote areas and districts are still unable to attend school two weeks after the major holiday, which begins in August and extends into September.