THE HAGUE – A concerning report on the deteriorating state of education in Curaçao has prompted Dutch MP Raoul White (GroenLinks-PvdA) to raise the issue with Education Minister Bruins and State Secretary Paul. White has submitted formal parliamentary questions, demanding accountability and solutions to the ongoing structural failures in the island’s education system.
Why Is the Education System in Curaçao in Crisis?
The latest report from the Dutch Education Inspectorate paints a grim picture of the fundamental education system in Curaçao. White questions how such an alarming assessment has come to be, emphasizing that this is not an isolated incident.
"How do you explain that the Education Inspectorate’s latest report outlines a concerning situation in Curaçao’s fundamental education system?" he asks in his parliamentary inquiry.
A Recurring Problem: Why Are Reforms Not Being Implemented?
White also highlights the recurring nature of these findings, noting that this is at least the third report in a short period – and one of many over the past decade – revealing structural issues in education. Yet, he points out, concrete changes seem to be lacking.
"Is it true that this is the third report in a short time, and one of many in the last ten years, that exposes structural problems, but that despite this, concrete changes seem to be absent? If so, what does this mean for the future opportunities of children and young people growing up in Curaçao?"
Is the Education Crisis Widespread in the Dutch Caribbean?
While the focus is currently on Curaçao, White is also seeking clarity on whether Aruba and Sint Maarten are experiencing similar challenges in their education systems.
"Does such a worrying picture also apply to fundamental education in Aruba and Sint Maarten to the same extent?" he asks.
What Was Discussed at the Ministerial Consultation?
Education Ministers from the four Kingdom territories—the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten—meet annually during the Ministerial Four-Country Consultation on Education, Culture, and Science (M4LO). However, the 2024 session was held remotely and in writing rather than in person.
White wants to know whether the dire education situation in Curaçao was a specific point of concern during the meeting.
"To what extent was this concerning situation a specific point of attention at the Ministerial Four-Country Consultation on Education, Culture, and Science (M4LO) 2024?"
Can Previous Agreements Help Solve the Crisis?
In November 2024, the Final Conclusions on Education and Science were adopted by the four countries. White is questioning whether these agreements can—and should—help tackle Curaçao’s education crisis.
"Can you outline point by point how the Final Conclusions on Education and Science from November 2024 between Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the Netherlands can and should help address these issues in Curaçao?"
What About Education on the BES Islands?
While the mainland Netherlands and the autonomous Caribbean territories are the primary focus, White also wants to ensure that the BES islands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba) are not overlooked in efforts to improve education quality.
"To what extent is your joint approach to this problem supported by specific attention to good education on the BES islands?"
How Will the Dutch Government Ensure Action?
White’s final question concerns the implementation of his own motion, passed in parliament, calling for a clear action plan to improve education in the Caribbean Netherlands. He wants to know how this plan will be integrated into the 2025 Ministerial Four-Country Consultation (M4LO) to ensure a Kingdom-wide commitment to addressing the crisis.
"How will you incorporate the execution of the White motion on an action plan to improve education in the Caribbean Netherlands into the Kingdom-wide agreements for M4LO 2025?"
Will the Dutch Government Take Responsibility?
White’s questions highlight a growing frustration over the lack of progress in addressing Curaçao’s educational shortcomings. With multiple reports signaling an urgent need for reform, the big question remains: Will the Dutch government take concrete steps to ensure better education for the children of Curaçao, or will these concerns continue to be ignored?