WILLEMSTAD - Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports, Mr. Sithree van Heydoorn, and Minister of Justice, Mr. Shalten Hato, representing their respective ministries, have signed a protocol (Samenwerkingsprotocol Veilige Scholen) to work together to safeguard safety in schools. This agreement involves the two ministries, along with the Public Prosecution Service, the Police Force, the Department for Juvenile Crime Prevention (UOJZ/AJJC), and school directors, collaborating on school safety.
The agreement stems from a process that began several years ago, which has now been reviewed and signed under the current administration to jointly work on school safety. Together with all partners, the focus will be on prevention, a school safety plan, and controlling both in and around schools. Information campaigns will be central to addressing safety issues in schools. Prevention programs like HALT and Sendé will continue alongside initiatives that encourage self-control and socio-emotional balanced behavior, such as Conscious Discipline and Positive Behavior Support.
The protocol has a duration of one year and will be evaluated twice a year. The first evaluation is scheduled for December 2024.
Ministers Van Heydoorn and Hato are very pleased with this protocol, as it aims to create a lasting structure to safeguard safety in and around schools.