The issues affecting education in the interior since the start of this school year are gradually diminishing. Where there is a shortage of teachers, combination classes are being formed. The Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture (minOWC) has instructed teachers to provide remedial lessons to help students catch up.
During a press conference, Minister Henry Ori announced that the renovation of teacher housing and the school in Stoelmanseiland will begin soon. A krutu (meeting) was held with the local community to discuss the challenges. Another major concern is the lack of clean drinking water for teachers.
The minister noted that the school will receive a laptop with internet access, facilitating communication between the ministry and the school regarding lesson plans. In addition to addressing the situation in the interior, the minister also discussed educational challenges in Paramaribo and Wanica.
He explained that the AB model, where some schools operate on alternating days to ensure education continuity, is still being used. The minister was surprised to see good results with this model compared to larger class sizes. However, the ministry aims to fully resolve this issue by the end of the first quarter.
Minister Ori also announced that the PURP 2 agreement with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) includes plans to establish a new museum on the grounds of the Presidential Office. With a focus on oil and gas, Ori stated that investments will be made in education, particularly in enhancing English language skills.
He emphasized his commitment to improving connectivity with the interior so that digital educational materials can be sent there. Additionally, Ori noted that investments will be made in training for new professions, identified in collaboration with the private sector.
