WILLEMSTAD – Parliamentarian Steven Croes has once again emphasized the importance of a solid educational foundation for young people and, by extension, for the country as a whole.
In his New Year message to the community, shared on social media, Croes highlighted several key issues, including the collective effort needed to bring positive change to Curaçao, improving labor productivity for the country’s welfare, and the significance of maintaining strong family and friendship bonds in an ever-changing world.
As a former Minister of Education, Croes’ thoughts and actions remain centered on this vital sector, which he sees as the cornerstone of development for any nation. He pointed to serious concerns emerging from various schools, such as students not attending classes and the noticeable absence of school attendance officers.
According to Croes, the reasons why children are staying home need to be thoroughly investigated. However, given the current challenges faced by many citizens, it is not far-fetched to assume that these issues are directly tied to the socio-economic and emotional struggles prevalent in the community.
Croes reiterated that the government’s budget allocation for education in 2025 is insufficient. He stated that he and his party, PAR, have a well-defined plan to address education as it should be.
Key Areas of Improvement
Croes also outlined other crucial points that demand immediate attention:
Subsidies for homework assistance for those in need.
Access to food for all children in primary education.
Improved working conditions for education professionals, focusing on salaries.
And much more.
The parliamentarian expressed his hope that the education sector will see significant changes in 2025, contributing to the growth and development of Curaçao. He stressed that the current stagnation, lack of vision, and outdated practices in the system must be addressed promptly.