principals and parents. Teachers cannot prepare properly for their lessons due to the shortage of books and other school supplies. In many cases the teachers have to come up with their own solutions. The teachers from several schools told Times of Suriname that the situation is becoming increasingly difficult every day. One of the teachers explained that the problems are the result of the shortage of classrooms and the enrollment of extra students. The schools therefore do not have enough books for all of the students. Teachers often have to put together stencils but that also takes time and money. One of the principals confirmed that there is in fact a shortage of books and other supplies. She pointed out that her school requested additional supplies in the second week of October but that the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture (OWC) still has not responded to her request. A concerned parent told Times of Suriname that she often has to give her money so that she can pay for a copy of the lessons. This means that parents have to dig deep in their wallets. She is ouzzeld by the fact that the ministry does not provide sufficient school supplies although parents pay the enrollment fee and the material costs at the start of each school year. Teachers explained that they get distracted when they have to look for solutions to these problems while they should in fact be focusing on the lessons. Parents and teachers hope that the ministry will address these problems.