Minister Currie seeks alternative teaching locations for pupils of burned-down O.S. Wonoredjo

Minister Dirk Currie says that discussions are now being held on alternative accommodation. Meanwhile, District Commissioner Clyde Hunswijk is calling on people who took school property during the fire to return it.

“We are seeking alternative placement of pupils at other schools. Discussions are already under way, involving our dir avo,” Currie said in response to the fire.

The minister indicated that O.S. Wonoredjo is one of the seventy schools he personally visited at the start of the school year. It is not yet clear when the pupils can resume their lessons and at which schools they may be temporarily accommodated.

Brunswijk makes stadium available as possible lesson location

DNA member Ronnie Brunswijk has meanwhile proposed temporarily setting up the Brunswijkstadion in Moengo as a lesson location for the affected pupils. According to him, the stadium can be adapted in such a way that the children can receive education there.

Brunswijk called the fire a disaster for the Moengo community. He pointed out that O.S. Wonoredjo is a historic school where different generations have received education. According to him, the building therefore has not only an educational function, but also emotional value for the community.

It is not yet known whether the ministry will include Brunswijk’s proposal in discussions on alternative lesson locations.

DC calls for taken school property to be returned

In addition to the search for replacement teaching space, there is also the issue of missing school property. District Commissioner Clyde Hunswijk of Marowijne Zuidwest has learned that certain people took books, tables and chairs from the school during the fire.

In a statement, Hunswijk thanked bystanders and local residents who helped bring school materials to safety during the fire. At the same time, he regrets that, according to the information received, people took advantage of the situation to take property from the school.

The district commissioner stresses that these items belong to the school and are especially needed now to continue education. He therefore urgently calls on those involved to voluntarily return the goods.

According to Hunswijk, it cannot be the intention that people help save school property during an emergency situation, but then take it away themselves.

Criminal investigation announced

Hunswijk announced that a criminal investigation will be launched into the missing school property. Before this investigation leads to further steps, those involved will be given the opportunity to voluntarily return the items they took.

The district commissioner appeals to the community’s sense of responsibility and stresses that the available educational resources must be handled carefully, especially at a time when costs continue to rise.

The fire has rendered a large part of O.S. Wonoredjo unusable. While the authorities focus on the consequences of the fire, the main question remains when and where the affected pupils can resume their education.