“They are putting more pressure on teachers”

PARAMARIBO – “Teachers who work for Stichting Onderwijs der Evangelische Broedergemeente in Suriname (SOEBGS) and Stichting Rooms Katholiek Bijzonder Onderwijs (RKBO) can no longer get a loan and they also can’t opt for hire purchase,” said a state employee who is stationed at the Subsidy Department of the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture.

An employee from the SOEBGS told Times of Suriname that she has received this instruction from the Ministry of Education and that she has already informed the teachers of the fact that no green light will be given for loans and hire purchases. She pointed out that the Subsidy Department could not explain why such deductions can no longer be processed. Teachers expressed shock over the new policy and made it clear that they are facing obstacles on all fronts. A teacher who is stationed at a primary school explained that she receives a meagre salary and that she can’t make ends meet which is why she and many other colleagues opt for loans and hire purchases to survive. “So many measures are taken to make life unbearable for teachers. Instead of creating opportunities to help teachers out, they are putting more pressure on teachers,” said the female teacher…[+]