THE HAGUE – The Dutch House of Representatives on Thursday held a roundtable discussion focusing on the role of Papiamentu in education across the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.

Kathleen Ferrier, chair of the Dutch UNESCO Commission, underlined the importance of high-quality education and proficiency in Dutch, while also stressing recognition of Papiamentu. “Proficiency in Dutch across the Kingdom is essential,” she said. “At the same time, indigenous languages like Papiamentu are key carriers of culture and linguistic value.”

Corrie Elsmarie Beukenboom, chair of Fundashon Akademia Papiamentu, argued that Papiamentu deserves an equal place alongside Dutch in schools. She noted, however, that practice lags behind: “For me, Papiamentu has the same status as Dutch in primary education, but basic conditions such as sufficient teaching hours and proper materials are not being met.” Beukenboom advocated for digitalizing the language but cautioned that this must be accompanied by wide access to books and games in Papiamentu.

Members of Parliament debated the balance between Dutch and Papiamentu in education. Ferrier pointed to the importance of access to the wider world through larger languages, but warned that Papiamentu risks being diluted without proper safeguards. Beukenboom highlighted progress in digitalization but warned of inaccuracies in automated translations.

Both experts stressed that language difficulties do not reflect intelligence, and that education should be better aligned with the home languages of children.