VHP MP Cedric van Samson has criticised the preparations for the new school year. According to him, the government should have used the school holidays to build and renovate classrooms. Due to the shortage of classrooms, pupils at certain schools are being taught under a rotation system.
In an interview on TBN, Van Samson stated that the need for additional classroom space should have been known earlier. According to him, enrolments and the results of the previous school year provide sufficient insight into the number of classrooms needed.
The MP responded critically to the explanation reportedly given by the Minister of Openbare Werken (Public Works) that the holidays were one of the reasons why work had not been completed on time. Van Samson stressed that the school holidays should be used to prepare buildings for the resumption of classes.
Education Minister Dirk Currie reported on Thursday in De Nationale Assemblée (Suriname’s parliament) that the shortfall exceeds 150 classrooms. According to the minister, work is under way on the construction of 93 classrooms and three ICT classrooms. The aim is to complete these by the end of December at the latest, so that pupils at certain schools will no longer have to attend classes under a rotation system.
Van Samson questioned cooperation between the agencies involved. According to him, the government must better align its efforts with President Jennifer Simons’ goal of ensuring that every child goes to school. He regretted that the person responsible for renovating schools had, in his view, received insufficient resources to complete the work.
“Are the priorities of the entire government really aimed at achieving what the president has announced?” the VHP MP asked.
Van Samson also addressed the shortage of teachers and the departure of skilled personnel. He advocates legally establishing what percentage of the budget goes to education and public health. He wants to ensure that these sectors receive financial priority under every government.
According to Van Samson, funding for education and healthcare should not repeatedly depend on the priorities of a new government.
