WILLEMSTAD – The Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport (OWCS), Mr. Sithree van Heydoorn, has decided—following advice from Victim Support Curaçao, the team of external counselors from SIGE, and in consultation with the board of FSHP—to keep Kolegio Erasmo closed on Friday, May 16, 2025. 

This decision was made in light of the emotional impact on the school community following the tragic passing of a student earlier this week. The temporary closure is intended to give the teaching staff time and space to process the incident together and to prepare for the compassionate and appropriate support of students upon their return on Monday, May 19, 2025. 

Additionally, the minister announced that, in coordination with the FSHP board, he has formally requested the EFO Committee (responsible for the national final exam for primary education under OWCS) to exclude Kolegio Erasmo’s students from having their EFO results determine their admission to secondary school for the 2025–2026 academic year. Instead, admissions will be based on the pedagogical report from the school. This request was made in consideration of the exceptional circumstances faced by the school. 

The Ministry of OWCS and Minister Sithree van Heydoorn expressed their solidarity and support for the Kolegio Erasmo community and extended their wishes for strength and comfort during this difficult time.