At the start of the new school year, the ministry decided that schools had to close at 12 noon due to the extreme heat. This measure was extended at the end of October until mid-November, as weather forecasts by the Meteorological Service Suriname at the time did not yet predict cooler conditions. The forecasts now indicate a change in weather conditions. The ministry has therefore decided to resume regular school hours from November 16.
Minister acknowledges learning delays due to shortened school hours
Minister Dirk Currie acknowledged on Wednesday, ahead of the meeting of the Council of Ministers, that the shortened teaching hours will lead to learning delays. According to him, however, the emphasis should not be on identifying those delays, but on finding solutions to make up for them.
“The delay will be there anyway, even if the school is open until 1 p.m.,” the minister said. He pointed out that both pupils and teachers find it difficult to concentrate because of the extreme heat, even if classes were to last longer.
Situation in the interior even more worrying
According to Currie, the situation in the interior is even more complicated. Due to low water levels in several rivers, communities are facing water shortages. As a result, schools in certain areas are forced to end classes earlier.
“It is a challenge. But it is a force majeure situation, which we must take into account,” the minister said.
Shorter holidays and Saturday classes as possible solution
To address the learning delays that have accumulated, the ministry is considering several possibilities. Shortening school holidays and providing classes on Saturdays are among the options.
Currie stressed that flexibility is necessary in the search for solutions. Any adjustments to the teaching schedule must, according to him, take place in consultation with school managements.
For the time being, it is not known whether and when these additional measures will actually be introduced.
