WILLEMSTAD – PAR parliamentary leader Quincy Girigorie is calling on the Curaçao government to examine the introduction of daily hot meals for approximately 350 children participating in the Brede Scholen after-school program, arguing that students from financially vulnerable households need more substantial nutritional support.
The proposal was raised in a series of parliamentary questions addressed to Minister of Education Sithree van Heydoorn, who has expressed a positive attitude toward the initiative but indicated that the financial implications have not yet been calculated.
According to Girigorie, approximately 350 children participating in the Brede Scholen program currently receive bread during after-school care rather than a complete hot meal.
The PAR leader wants the government to investigate whether these children could receive a nutritious hot lunch every school day and determine the additional funding required.
In written responses dated September 7 and received by Parliament on October 8, Van Heydoorn explained that the Public Schools Service (DOS) is still evaluating the existing food arrangements.
The minister said the cost of introducing hot meals must first be calculated and that the information will be submitted to Parliament as soon as possible.
No estimated cost, implementation date, or financing arrangement was included in the minister's responses.
Girigorie's proposal is part of a broader effort to improve educational opportunities for children growing up in households with limited financial resources.
He referred to research on equal opportunities in Curaçao's education system showing that socioeconomic circumstances can have a substantial impact on children's development.
The findings reinforce concerns that children from disadvantaged households may face additional obstacles to learning, including inadequate nutrition.
Van Heydoorn acknowledged the relationship between nutrition and education, emphasizing that children need proper food to develop and participate effectively in school.
However, the minister also explained that the Ministry of Social Development, Labor and Welfare (SOAW) carries primary responsibility for identifying food assistance needs and administering food programs.
This division of responsibilities complicates efforts to establish how many students require additional support and what level of government funding would be necessary to expand school meal programs.
Girigorie also drew attention to Fundashon Tur Mucha Mester Kome, which, according to the PAR leader, has provided daily meals to more than 700 children for over seven years.
The foundation receives government subsidies, but the education minister could not say whether those resources are sufficient to assist all children who need meals.
The questions surrounding both the foundation's activities and the Brede Scholen program are particularly relevant as Curaçao prepares to debate its 2027 national budget.
Girigorie wants Parliament to have the necessary information before the budget discussions so lawmakers can evaluate whether additional funding should be directed toward children from low-income families.
For the approximately 350 children identified in the Brede Scholen program, the immediate question is whether the government will move beyond the existing bread provision and establish a more comprehensive meal arrangement.
The minister's response leaves that possibility open, but any decision will depend on the outcome of the DOS evaluation and the calculation of costs.
Until those assessments are completed, the proposed expansion of school meals remains under consideration rather than an approved government program.