"We are Failing Our Children"
WILLEMSTAD – Physical education is no longer a regular part of the curriculum at many primary schools in Curaçao. Due to a shortage of qualified gym teachers and suitable gym facilities, many children are not getting enough physical activity. A teacher who has been working in education in Curaçao for 28 years shares her story about the daily reality in the classroom and the growing concerns over the health of her students.
At many primary schools in Curaçao, there is no dedicated gym teacher. This means that the responsibility for getting the children to exercise falls on the regular teachers. But, honestly, this is often neglected. With an overcrowded curriculum and too few hours in the week, there simply isn’t enough time to provide structured gym classes. And when physical activity is provided, it is often in the schoolyard, without the proper equipment or guidance.
There are too few qualified gym teachers, and the government hardly invests in facilities. Physical education is simply not taken seriously, even though it is crucial for children’s development. The government should treat physical education with the same importance as subjects like math and language.
The consequences of the lack of physical education are clearly visible in the classroom. A recent population survey shows that over 800 schoolchildren suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, chronic bronchitis, CARA, or obesity. Some students are out of breath after a short walk. It is heartbreaking to see some children struggle with their health. They get tired more quickly, cannot participate in games as well, and sometimes they are even bullied. This affects their self-confidence. If they don’t get physical activity at school, where else will they get their daily dose of movement?
If we, as educators, do nothing about this, we are failing them. A healthy body is just as important as a healthy mind. Without sufficient physical activity, we risk allowing an entire generation of children to grow up with health problems that could have been prevented.
More support is needed from the government. MAN-PIN advocates for concrete actions: more budget for gym teachers, better facilities, and extended school hours with free afterschool care to address educational and social challenges. Students would then have the opportunity to stay in a structured environment after regular school hours, where they would not only receive homework support but also participate in enriching activities such as sports and physical education, under the guidance of specialized teachers. Specialized teachers would be provided for subjects such as gym, music, arts, sewing and textile work, cooking, and nutrition. If we don’t invest in our education now, we will pay the price later, not only in healthcare costs but, most importantly, in the well-being of our children.
“It’s time to act. Our children deserve better.”