Fibos ignores Education minister’s instructions

The Federation of Institutes for Religious Education in Suriname (Fibos) has instructed parents to pay the parent contribution of SRD 250 despite the fact that Education, Science and Culture Minister Lilian Ferrier on August 12 made it clear that parents must only pay the material costs of SRD 35 and that the religious schools can’t demand the parent contribution. Parents recently expressed their concern because the member schools of the Fibos refuse to enroll their children if they do not pay SRD 250. The religious schools have made it clear to them that it is mandatory to pay SRD 250. “I was told that I had to pay the parent contribution of SRD 250 or else my child would not be enrolled. They also told me that if I had any objections, I must enroll my child in a public school for SRD 35,” said a concerned mother. Parents ask themselves why the minister does not take action against the management at Fibos. Mildred Demon, chairwoman of Fibos, made it clear that parents had received a letter which clearly explained why they have to pay the parent contribution. She explained that both parties had agreed that the ministry would deposit a portion of the state subsidy. She also explained that the parent contribution is used to pay the bills of the schools. “If the ministry deposits the subsidy, parents will be given a refund. A letter has also been sent to the president.”