Only one student enrolled at ACI

Only one student was enrolled at the Albert Cameron Instituut (ACI) for the new school year. This statistical fact suggests that students are not interested in the ACI. Only 5 students were recently enrolled at the Christian Pedagogical Institute (CPI) while only 20 students were enrolled at the Surinamese Pedagogical Institute (SPI). Education Minister Lilian Ferrier, who reviewed the statistics, concluded that only 3% of the new high school students are actually interested in these types of high schools. These statistics and the lack of sufficient funds to finance subsidies made it seem more efficient for the minister to combine these institutes of pedagogical learning. SRD 8.8 million from the ministry’s budget was put aside for the salaries of the 56 teachers at the CPI. The minister explained that given the financial situation in the country the ministry decided to spend its resources more efficiently. “We spend so much on subsidy. The education results, however, are not much higher,” said the minister who added that a significant portion of the state budget goes to paying salaries and that this is also the case at the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture. Minister Ferrier pointed out that only SRD 1.4 million is left which means that huge budget cuts are necessary. Reports indicate that a growing number of students are flocking to schools for career-oriented education. About 300 students opted to go to the IMEAO in the new school year.