In a significant move to enhance educational governance, Suriname’s Ministry of Education, Science and Culture has established a new Oversight Council for the Institute for Teacher Education (IOL). The council was formally installed on Tuesday by Minister Dirk Currie, with veteran educator Robert Peneux appointed as its chairman.
Peneux, former director of the critical teacher training institute, now leads the five-member supervisory body comprising Ricardo Kenswil, Rawien Mangal, Joan Vliese, and Robby Holband. The installation ceremony included the formal handover of transfer documents to Peneux, marking the beginning of the council’s mandate to strengthen institutional governance and oversight mechanisms.
Minister Currie identified the formalization of IOL’s legal status as an immediate priority, emphasizing that establishing a clear juridical framework for both the institute and its oversight council would create a solid foundation for administrative operations and future development. This legal structuring is expected to provide greater stability and clarity in the institution’s governance model.
While acknowledging the importance of legal formalization, Chairman Peneux emphasized that internal structural reforms must take precedence. He specifically mentioned the need to redesign the organizational chart and reconsider the institute’s internal frameworks before addressing external legal matters.
The newly installed council has outlined several strategic priorities including transforming IOL into a comprehensive School of Education, conducting thorough financial audits of the institution, and establishing a dedicated Human Resources Management department to strengthen personnel policies and organizational development.
Minister Currie expressed full confidence in the expertise and commitment of the new oversight body, stressing that effective governance, transparency, and strategic direction are essential for enhancing the quality of teacher education in Suriname. The establishment of the council represents a proactive approach to educational reform in the country’s teacher preparation system.