Baku, Azerbaijan, October 2023 - Suriname's Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture (MoESC) has secured funding from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for the Secondary and Technical Education Support (STES) project, aimed at enhancing the quality of secondary and technical education while ensuring equitable access.

In October, a delegation of 16 Surinamese education professionals, led by H.E. Prof. Dr. Henry Ori The Minister of Education, Science and Culture embarked on an international study program to an IsDB member country. The delegation's focus included observing best practices in secondary and technical/vocational education, exploring learning management aspects, identifying partnerships between Surinamese and Azerbaijani educational institutions, and emphasizing technical and vocational schools in the oil and gas and technological innovation sectors.

During the visit, the delegation engaged with H.E. Mr. Emin Amrullayev, The Minister of Education of Azerbaijan, reaching agreements to collaborate on various educational levels. The study program's objective was to implement gained knowledge, enhancing Surinamese professionals' roles as teachers and school managers in secondary education.

A significant outcome was the educational opportunities that emerged for Surinamese students in the Oil and Gas sector, particularly through collaboration with the Baku Higher Oil School in Azerbaijan. This partnership holds promise for Suriname's nascent oil and gas industry, with the Baku Higher Oil School offering full support for establishing an Oil and Gas Study Program at the Anton De Kom University of Suriname.

According to IsDB Regional Hub Manager, Dr. Sobir Komilov, addressing skills mismatch in Suriname, especially in newly emerging sectors like oil and gas would definitely support growth and employment in the country. “It was important for IsDB to connect Suriname with another Member Country, Azerbaijan, not only in facilitating knowledge transfer and experience sharing, but also in fostering a solid partnership between education related authorities, academic institutions and vocational centers,” Sobir Komilov stated.

Suriname's Minister of Education, Science, and Culture, in collaboration with Azerbaijan's Minister of Education, fostered partnerships with institutions visited during the study program. As a result, Surinamese education professionals have broadened their practical knowledge and are poised to implement innovative ideas, furthering the growth and development of secondary education and technical/vocational training in Suriname.