Suriname school year begins amid government and union dispute

The start of the new school year on October 1 in Suriname was marked by significant confusion due to conflicting instructions from the government and education unions. While the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture called for a normal opening, education unions urged parents to keep their children at home.

This disagreement resulted in varying situations across different schools, particularly in Paramaribo. Some institutions remained closed with no staff or students present, while others operated normally with both teachers and pupils in attendance. In some instances, teachers were present in classrooms but students were sent home.

Minister of Education, Science and Culture, Dirk Currie, visited six schools to assess the situation. He noted that while some school leaders and teachers were well-prepared, three of the visited schools had teachers present but no students. Minister Currie stated he intends to prioritize dialogue to resolve the impasse.