WILLEMSTAD - The U.S. Consulate General in Curaçao, in coordination with the Curaçao Ministry of Education and the Center for Innovation and Educational Guidance (SIGE), is providing essential school supplies to families across the island ahead of the upcoming academic year. Administered by Ministry of Education and SIGE officials, as well as Military Liaison Officer Captain Cortland Perkins, the $25,000 initiative is funded through a donation from U.S. Southern Command.
Consul General Ramon (Chico) Negron, Minister of Education Sithree van Heydoorn, and SIGE Director Solange Olaria launched the effort on August 3. The initiative will deliver over 700 back-to-school supply bags to students and families in need. Consulate and U.S. military volunteers will work in coordinated teams alongside SIGE officials, who will track daily distribution progress to ensure an efficient and equitable process.
The volunteer teams will deliver the supplies to 35 schools and educational institutions and to approximately 70 individual families throughout the island, ensuring supplies reach students before classes begin.
“This initiative reflects the Consulate’s ongoing commitment to strengthen people-to-people ties and support educational opportunity for youth in Curaçao. Furthermore, it reinforces the strong partnership between the United States, the Government of Curaçao, and local communities,” said CG Negrón.
The U.S. Consulate General Curaçao thanks the Ministry of Education, SIGE, U.S. Southern Command, and all participating institutions for their collaboration in making this initiative possible. For more information, please contact the U.S. Consulate General Curaçao Public Affairs Section.
From left to right: Captain Perkins, SIGE Director Olaria, Consul General Negron, and Minister van Heydoorn