Teachers working in the southern interior of Suriname have no clean drinking water, no food and no teaching materials. According to DNA member Geneviévre Jordan (ABOP), teachers have been sent to their postings since September 25 without the necessary provisions having been adequately arranged. She has called on the government to intervene urgently.
Jordan recently drew attention to the situation during a meeting of De Nationale Assemblée (DNA, Suriname’s parliament). According to the parliamentarian, teachers in Tepu, Kwamalasamutu and other villages in the south of the country in particular have been affected by the lack of basic provisions.
The representative stated that approximately 500 kilograms of food and teaching materials had to be transported for the teachers concerned. Of this, only 100 kilograms reportedly arrived at the postings. As a result, according to her, the teachers do not have sufficient food and materials to properly carry out their work. “The teachers do not have sufficient teaching materials and also not enough food,” Jordan stressed.
According to the DNA member, the teachers concerned have since contacted the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture (minOWC), but have received no clear answer about a solution to the shortages. Jordan urged the government to take measures urgently. “The government must intervene as soon as possible and provide the teachers with water, food and teaching materials.”
O.S. Malobi gardeners without salaries for two years
In addition to the problems faced by teachers in the south, Jordan also drew attention to the situation of five gardeners at the public school O.S. Malobi in Boven-Suriname. According to the parliamentarian, the five employees carry out their work daily, but have not received salaries for two years. Despite registering their attendance daily on the attendance lists, payments have reportedly not been made. “The attendance lists are signed daily, but the payment of salaries has not been made,” Jordan said.
