WILLEMSTAD – Efforts to reform Curaçao’s education system are failing to progress, according to the most recent implementation report on the country’s reform package (Landspakket), covering the period from April to September 2025. Nearly all planned reforms remain stuck in the preparation phase, with no tangible implementation, despite the report stressing that the current education system is in urgent need of fundamental change. 

A central issue, the report states, is the absence of a clear strategic vision. Curaçao urgently needs a comprehensive educational policy framework, but so far, this has not been developed. 

Plans to revise learning objectives, teaching methods, and school structures have not advanced beyond the conceptual stage. There is also no active curriculum development project in place. 

Key Legislative Reforms on Hold 

Several important legislative updates have also stalled. The revision of the Compulsory Education Act, which is meant to better reflect current educational realities, has not yet begun. Similarly, efforts to modernize the law governing the Central Examination Board (CGI) remain limited to an early proposal, with no follow-up action. 

Digitalization and Oversight Lagging 

The digital transformation of education is also moving slowly. While there is a stated ambition to broaden access to digital learning tools, an actual action plan has yet to be drafted. 

Efforts to strengthen educational oversight, including building capacity within the Education Inspectorate, have likewise not begun. 

Only One Pilot Project in Motion 

One of the few initiatives showing real activity is a pilot project focused on improving the social-emotional safety of students in schools. This program supports schools in identifying and addressing behavioral issues and risk factors among students. However, the project remains in its exploratory phase and is currently the only active initiative noted in the report. 

Report Warns of Further Decline 

The report concludes that the current pace of reform is insufficient to address the pressing challenges in the education sector. Without decisive leadership and investment in implementation, the quality of education in Curaçao risks falling further behind and failing to meet the needs of modern society.