WILLEMSTAD - The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport (OWCS) has been allocated 360 million guilders in Curaçao’s budget for 2025, highlighting the government's commitment to these key sectors. The budget, unveiled as part of the financial planning for the coming year, is aimed at bolstering the country’s educational, cultural, and scientific growth.
According to the budget breakdown, the majority of the funds—345.2 million guilders—will be spent on regular services, while 16.4 million guilders will go toward capital expenditures. This significant investment underscores OWCS's dedication to fostering development in education, science, culture, and sport.
Education Receives Largest Share
The largest portion of the OWCS budget is directed toward education, with a total allocation of 248.3 million guilders. This is aimed at addressing various educational needs, from infrastructure to programs. Other major sectors also benefit from the budget: culture will receive 5.2 million guilders, sport is allocated 7.9 million guilders, and science receives 200,000 guilders.
Breakdown of Major Educational Expenditures
Key expenditure areas within the education sector include:
General Management of OWCS: 16.8 million guilders
Special Education: 57.7 million guilders
Public Primary Education: 21.7 million guilders
Public Secondary Education: 40.3 million guilders
Special Secondary Education: 50 million guilders
Special Higher Education: 17.9 million guilders
Other Education: 35.2 million guilders
Focus on Social Objectives
OWCS has emphasized that the allocations are designed to meet social objectives within each policy domain. In particular, the ministry aims to strengthen educational services across all levels, support cultural initiatives, promote sports programs, and encourage scientific research, albeit with a modest allocation.
As Curaçao looks ahead to 2025, the government's focus on strengthening its education and culture sectors reflects the importance of these areas in the island's broader social and economic development plans. The OWCS budget is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing the country's human capital and cultural heritage.
