Peneux: “Mandatory teachers’ presence at school on October 3”

“It is mandatory for principals, teachers and students to show up at school on October 3,” said the minister of Education, Science and Culture, Robert Peneux. The minister made it clear that the government decides when to open the schools and when the summer vacation starts and ends. “All preparations have been made so that the school year 2016-2017 can have a smooth start.” Minister Peneux pointed out that many things must still be organized on the first day of school. Class formations must be taken care of so that it can become clear how many and which students sit in a class. The ministry expects everybody to report for duty so that there aren’t any delays in the schedule due to absence. The minister also pointed out that the shortage of educational tools at the schools will be addressed. The ministry has already arranged for all teachers to be transported to their posts in the hinterland. “So there is no reason to delay the start of the new school year.”

Wilgo Valies, chairman of the Teachers’ Association (BvL) and the Teachers’ Alliance Suriname (ALS), on the other hand is summoning teachers to attend an evaluation meeting on October 3. The teachers’ unions have met with government officials several times this week to discuss the execution of the agreement that was inked in April 2016. Valies has previously announced that regardless of the outcome of the talks, the evaluation meeting will take place on October 3. Peneux made it clear that it is mandatory for teachers to report for duty which means that measures could be taken against those who fail to comply.