WILLEMSTAD – The Inspectorate for Public Health (IVG) has launched a formal investigation into the tragic death of an 11-year-old girl who collapsed during the EFO exam at Kolegio Erasmo last Tuesday. 

Although no prior medical warnings were reported, the IVG considers the incident serious enough to intervene proactively. The investigation will examine the entire chain of events, from the beginning of the test to the child’s passing, including the involvement of general practitioners and hospital care. 

As a precaution, the EFO exams at the school have been suspended until further notice. Minister of Education Sithree ‘Cey’ van Heydoorn confirmed that the family of the deceased child has been visited and that further decisions will be made in consultation with Victim Support Services and the school administration. 

“This incident comes at a time when the Ministry is already in the process of evaluating the future of the EFO as a national testing tool,” Van Heydoorn noted. 

The death has sparked deep concern across the community and intensified ongoing discussions about the stress levels and health risks children may face during high-stakes standardized testing. The outcome of the investigation may influence both education policy and school health protocols in Curaçao.

Photo: Irvin Keli (Health Inspector)