WILLEMSTAD – PAR Member of Parliament Shaheen Elhage is calling on Education Minister Sithree van Heydoorn to provide a comprehensive update on the condition of Curaçao’s schools, including classroom temperatures, sanitation, teaching materials, digital equipment, security and provisions for special education.
The questions form part of a broader request submitted to Parliament ahead of the 2026–2027 academic year. Elhage said he followed the Education Ministry’s recent information session, “Di Vishon pa Resultado – Loke nos a Logra i Loke ta na Kaminda,” during which results of the Education Improvement Program and the performance of the 2025–2026 school year were presented.
Beyond ensuring that enough teachers are available, Elhage said attention must also be paid to the quality of education. He wants the minister to explain how recommendations resulting from various evaluations and the Education Improvement Program are being translated into tangible improvements inside Curaçao’s classrooms.
School infrastructure is another major area of concern. Elhage requested an update on maintenance work at schools, excessive heat in classrooms, bathrooms and sanitary facilities, furniture, educational materials, digital equipment and school security.
He also singled out special education, asking what measures have been taken to ensure that students requiring specialized education can begin the new school year with sufficient specialized personnel, appropriate support and adequate transportation.
Communication with parents is also on the list of concerns. Elhage wants to know how the ministry intends to keep parents, schools and the wider community properly informed in the weeks leading up to the opening of schools to prevent confusion and uncertainty.
The parliamentarian acknowledged that the ministry has emphasized results, transparency and cooperation, but argued that transparency also means clearly discussing problems that remain unresolved.
Elhage said he expects the ministry, together with school boards, to take the necessary measures to ensure that every child in Curaçao can begin the 2026–2027 school year in a safe and organized environment with access to quality education. He asked Van Heydoorn to respond to the questions and keep both Parliament and the community informed about preparations for the new academic year.