PARAMARIBO — Education Minister Dirk Currie is set to meet with retired teachers to assess whether they are willing to return to active duty to help alleviate the shortage of teachers.
There is currently a significant lack of qualified teachers and administrative staff with the necessary experience to get the job done. Currie hopes to persuade the retired teachers to return to the classrooms. “I will mobilize them to come back,” said Currie, who is determined to ensure that the upcoming school year, scheduled to begin in a few weeks, starts smoothly. The minister, who remains realistic, explained that the shortage would not be resolved quickly and would take several years. He also hopes to address the shortage through distance learning, especially for schools in remote areas. The minister aims to solve persistent problems such as timely payments to bus drivers and boat owners by implementing structural solutions that guarantee payments are made on time. Teachers often have to wait too long for their allowances and wages, which leads many to pursue different careers. A special committee will be established to tackle these problems.