The new school year has opened with concern in the education sector due to a lack of attention and necessary resources for the schools. According to statements by Member of Parliament Dangui Oduber, it is regrettable that while the Government’s treasury boasts a surplus of 700 million florins, there are not enough funds allocated and budgeted to improve the situation in education.
Concern for school infrastructure and conditions
The parliamentarian pointed out that several schools around the island are in poor condition and falling apart, with playgrounds and gymnasiums in total decay. The public and the educational sector expected more attention and action from the government, and especially from Minister Gerlien Croes, to resolve these challenges.
In addition, the parliamentarian reminded the public of the Futuro party’s promise to install solar panels at schools to reduce energy costs and prevent parents from continuing to pay for air conditioning fees (aircogeld). Oduber noted that after two school years under the AVP-Futuro cabinet’s administration, this project has not been executed in a single school yet. Consequently, parents must continue paying for aircogeld; the promised relief never arrived.
700 million florins in surplus without priority for education
It is regrettable that the government is swimming in a surplus of 700 million florins to invest in the country’s priorities, while education—which is certainly a top priority—remains neglected. We must be able to allocate funds to:
*Improve school infrastructure;
*Provide teachers with better working conditions and better salaries;
*Provide more tools for them to educate our children.
It is obvious that education is not a priority for the government, and even less so for Minister Gerlien Croes. Looking at what is allocated in the education budget, it is a slap in the face to all educators. Another school year opens where teachers have to pull money out of their own pockets to prepare their classrooms.
This situation becomes even more concerning considering that the Government’s coffer counts a surplus of 700 million florins. If the country were going through a financial crisis, the lack of resources might be understandable; however, it is unjustified to point to a lack of funds for education while official figures show the existence of this surplus. The fundamental question remains: Where did this money go? Why is there no funding for education, and why is education not being placed as a national priority?
In conclusion, MP Oduber pointed out that Minister Croes has proven to be a disappointment to the sector because the foundation of our country—education—is not receiving the attention it deserves. The ministry’s priorities appear to be more focused on trips abroad rather than bringing concrete solutions that benefit Aruba. With a total of 16 trips in a period of 16 months, it is questionable what has truly been achieved for the educational system through all the trips she has made.