AMSTERDAM - Stichting WeConnect has launched its career guidance program with students from Maris Stella VSBO and the Maria Immaculata Lyceum (MIL). The foundation provides career orientation activities to VSBO and HAVO/VWO schools, and in the coming months, seven additional schools will participate in various forms of career guidance sessions.
Speed-date Sessions
On 30 October, second- and fourth-year students at Maris Stella VSBO took part in a “career carousel,” featuring brief speed-date conversations with professionals. Fifteen professionals from a wide range of fields participated. On 4 and 5 November, MIL hosted its own career carousel, with nineteen professionals joining the sessions. Altogether, more than 185 students from both schools engaged in conversations with experts from diverse sectors, including event planning, pharmacy, makeup artistry, structural engineering, and medical analysis.
Motivated Students
The students listened attentively and showed a genuine eagerness to learn. The professionals not only explained their work but also shared practical tips and life lessons, sparking lively discussions and new motivation. Tour guide Tirzah Statia of Lokalish by IamTirzah, for example, highlighted opportunities within the tourism sector and encouraged students to network and proactively seek out chances, including scholarships.
About the Program
Stichting WeConnect is committed to preparing young people for their future careers and study choices, starting in the classroom. Participation from VSBO schools has grown significantly this year. More schools now recognize the importance and impact of career orientation, says Anja van Bergen, who coordinates the career guidance activities. Under the leadership of director Pam Evertsz, additional funding has been allocated to ensure that VSBO schools receive the same level of support and opportunities.
“I am proud of our team for identifying this need and expanding the program so seamlessly,” Evertsz said. “Visualizing your future and receiving concrete tools to take the first steps—that’s where it all begins. These opportunities must be accessible to all young people across the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, from VSBO to VWO, whether they pursue further studies here on the island or abroad.”
Call for Professionals
Every year, Curaçao island coordinator Evita Sanches reaches out to professionals through her network and via LinkedIn to participate in the career guidance program. There is particularly high demand for professionals who began their careers at the VSBO or MBO level. “For VSBO schools, it’s crucial that students hear success stories from professionals they can relate to,” Sanches explains.
Professionals interested in sharing their career journey can contact her at evita@stichtingweconnect.nl.
