WILLEMSTAD - There is a shortage of teachers for the Dutch language in schools in Curaçao. This was stated by Minister Sithree van Heydoorn of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports. The issue was raised during a committee meeting on language policy, where the quality control of language education was also discussed.
In addition to Dutch, education in Curaçaoan schools is also provided in Papiamentu, English, and Spanish, for which there are currently sufficient teachers available.
Papiamentu and Dutch are the official languages of Curaçao. Papiamentu is the most spoken language in daily life and is spoken by the majority of the population. Dutch is used in governance, legislation, and formal education, although it is not the mother tongue for many residents.
Despite Dutch being less frequently spoken in daily life, it plays a significant role in the education system in Curaçao. All formal and higher education takes place in Dutch, which is essential for students who wish to pursue higher education in the Netherlands.
Language Policy
The Ministry of Education is continuously working to improve language education. Initiatives are in place to enhance the quality of education in all languages, with special attention to ensuring sufficient proficiency in Dutch, given its importance for academic and professional purposes.
Member of Parliament Gilbert Doran (MFK) inquired about the methods used to assess language quality both in the community and in schools. Minister Van Heydoorn stated that after establishing required levels, there will be systematic monitoring of the quality of language education, with examinations evaluated at the end of terms.
The ministry is also conducting an inventory of educational materials and the availability of teachers, in collaboration with school boards, to determine any legislative adjustments needed to meet the schools' needs.
The Inspectorate of Education plays a crucial role in maintaining education standards and the quality of language education, with special inspections at the end of the school year to identify any discrepancies in language proficiency and performance.