Jabini advocates for structural solutions to education problems in the interior

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Frank Jabini, chairman of the think tank focused on education issues in the interior, tells Suriname suriname that the recently held education conference was very successful. Jabini emphasizes that there were participants from various organizations involved in education.
“We wanted all these stakeholders to come together to jointly find solutions to the education issues. We aimed for a commitment from them to work sustainably towards improving education in the interior. Sometimes something is said, but we don’t always know if people are aware of the actual situation,” said Jabini.
According to Jabini, there are several issues that contribute to the situation, such as the absence of teachers in the interior. This issue not only involves transportation but also financial aspects and structural factors, such as the low water levels in the rivers, which cause transportation problems.
Addressing the transportation issueThe transportation issue needs to be tackled sustainably, as it recurs every year. We must not only consider paid transport for teachers but also seek a structural solution. Even if teachers travel to their posts, problems such as a shortage of clean drinking water or difficulties in transporting children due to low water levels remain.
“Perhaps we should consider starting the schools in the interior later, for example until mid-December, and then let them continue until the end of September or early October,” Jabini added. He emphasizes that the discussed points must be addressed with the government, communities, and stakeholders.
The conference was not only an initiative of the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture (minOWC) but also involved leaders from indigenous and tribal communities, political leaders, DNA members, ministers, and directors of other ministries, as well as organizations and NGOs involved in education. The collaboration is aimed at developing proposals to effectively address the education issues, with a focus on providing solution models.
During his presentation, Jabini gave an overview of the development of education in the interior from the 1950s to the present. “We note that many of the problems that existed then still persist. It has been agreed to prepare a report, and this plan will be presented to the various parties involved. The minOWC must further discuss this with other actors, and the plan should be ready within three months for discussion with the government,” said Jabini.
Sustainable solutionsThe think tank aims to formulate sustainable solutions for both the short and long term concerning education in the interior. Jabini notes that the think tank has been active for a year and that studies have been conducted to accurately map the situation. This led to the conference, where groups contributing to the improvement of education in the interior came together.
Jabini adds that not all problems in the education sector are limited to educational issues. He points out that transport costs were estimated at SRD 396 million nationwide last year, while the DNA approved a budget of only SRD 305 million, resulting in a shortfall of SRD 91 million. The parliament opted for cuts in education, despite almost 80 percent of the budget being allocated to education.
During the conference, it was noted that many of the issues are attributed to education, while there is also a Ministry of Transport and a Ministry of Natural Resources. Nearly 50 percent of the transport budget is related to education.
Jabini advocates for better collaboration between ministries to address these issues more effectively. “The issues that arise are often unknown to people who do not visit the interior, as there are no clear actions being taken to implement solutions,” Jabini adds.
The plan being worked on will be presented soon, and Jabini emphasizes that input from the community is of great importance. “Now that we have the necessary information, we expect the plan to be completed within three months,” he says.