WILLEMSTAD – PAR faction leader Quincy Girigorie wants the Curaçao government to examine the cost of providing approximately 350 children participating in the Brede Scholen program with a complete hot meal during the afternoon instead of only bread.
The proposal is part of parliamentary questions submitted to Education Minister Sithree van Heydoorn and Social Development, Labor and Welfare Minister Charetti America-Francisca concerning nutrition for schoolchildren.
According to Girigorie, four schools currently participate in the Brede Scholen project, which has been under the Department of Education (DOS) for approximately one year.
The program provides additional development opportunities to a group of approximately 350 to 400 children who remain at school beyond the morning program.
Girigorie says, however, that children who stay at school in the afternoon currently do not receive a hot meal and are instead provided with bread.
PAR Sees Opportunity for Targeted Investment
The PAR leader believes the government could use the program as an opportunity to make a targeted investment in children’s nutrition.
He is asking the ministers whether it would be possible to provide approximately 350 participating children with a hot, complete lunch every school day.
According to Girigorie, providing balanced nutrition could contribute to the children’s ability to function and participate effectively in educational activities during the afternoon.
PAR also wants the government to calculate exactly how much such a program would cost.
Girigorie suggests that the meals could potentially be provided through Fundashon Tur Mucha Mester Kome, which already supplies daily meals to more than 700 children on Curaçao, or through another organization.
The timing of the questions is linked to preparations for Curaçao’s 2027 budget.
Girigorie notes that Parliament is expected to receive the budget within several weeks and argues that lawmakers should have the necessary information beforehand to determine how much funding would be required to guarantee adequate nutrition for children who need assistance.
The questions were submitted under Article 96 of Parliament’s Rules of Order on August 11. Girigorie has asked both ministers to provide answers regarding the scope of school meal needs and the feasibility of expanding nutritional support.