Acting Minister of Education Lyndon Lewis touring the Marie Genevieve DeWeever School and observing an area of overgrown perimeter foliage.
PHILIPSBURG--Acting Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport (ECYS), Lyndon Lewis, has been busy familiarising himself with the public schools in his area in an effort to address pressing concerns.
On Friday, he visited the Marie Genevieve DeWeever School and Oranje School, as part of his commitment to visit all seven public schools in the area.
The minister hugs a teacher who became emotional during his visit to the Marie Genevieve Deweever School.
The minister at Oranje School with management and staff.
According to a press release from the minister cabinet, during his visit to the Marie Genevieve DeWeever School, Lewis, who himself attended the school as a child, was deeply moved by the dedication and challenges faced by the staff. One teacher even became emotional, expressing her gratitude that the minister was the first to truly listen to her concerns. The school is dealing with issues such as excessive classroom heat, overgrown perimeter bushes hindering ventilation, bathroom problems and various structural and curriculum-related challenges.
At Oranje School, recent air conditioning installations have helped alleviate some issues, but a dangerous power load problem remains, causing frequent fuse burnouts and posing a fire risk. The school also raised concerns about the shortcomings of the Department of Public Education.
The minister arranged for the installation of air conditioning units and the upgrade of power capacities at four public schools to address the heat issue. Additionally, he has ordered the clearing of overgrown bushes around perimeter boundaries of the schools, including Ruby Labega Primary School, to improve ventilation and safety.
Despite only being in his position for two weeks, Lewis, who also serves as the Minister of Justice, reassured school management that he is dedicated to implementing swift measures to alleviate the challenges faced by teachers and pupils. His approach aims to create a more conducive learning environment for all.
This week, the minister will continue visiting educational institutions and the departments and divisions that fall under his responsibilities.
