WILLEMSTAD – Six teachers in Curaçao have successfully completed their master's degree programs at Fontys University of Applied Sciences, earning first-degree teaching qualifications that allow them to teach at all levels of secondary education. Their achievement marks the successful conclusion of a four-year educational investment by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports (OWCS).
The six educators specialized in chemistry and geography, two subjects in which Curaçao faces a significant need for qualified teachers.
The teachers began their studies four years ago after receiving financial support from the Ministry of OWCS, which covered their educational expenses to help them obtain the highest level of teaching qualification within the Dutch secondary education system.
All six participants successfully completed their studies, representing a 100 percent graduation rate for the group.
The newly qualified geography teachers are Carlo Cijntje and Chantal de Haseth.
The four chemistry teachers who completed their master's degrees are Nalini Sewdien, Malaika Sille, Dillian van Eerden, and Millicent Djaoen.
With their newly acquired first-degree teaching qualifications, the educators are now authorized to teach their respective subjects across all levels of secondary education, including the higher levels that require advanced subject knowledge and specialized teaching credentials.
The achievement is particularly important for Curaçao's education system, where the availability of sufficiently qualified teachers remains a concern, especially in specialized subjects such as chemistry and geography.
By investing in the professional development of existing teachers, the government aims to strengthen the quality of education while expanding the number of educators qualified to teach at advanced secondary school levels.
Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Sithree van Heydoorn welcomed the successful completion of the program, highlighting the importance of investing in teachers' professional qualifications.
The initiative demonstrates how government-funded educational opportunities can contribute directly to strengthening the local teaching workforce.
The four-year program also reflects cooperation between the Ministry of OWCS and Fontys University of Applied Sciences in supporting the professional development of educators in Curaçao.
Rather than relying exclusively on recruiting qualified teachers from abroad, initiatives of this kind provide opportunities for educators already working within the local education system to advance their qualifications.
The successful completion of the program means that six additional teachers are now equipped with the credentials necessary to provide advanced instruction in chemistry and geography.
For students, the increased availability of qualified subject teachers can contribute to stronger academic preparation and improved educational opportunities.
The Ministry of OWCS, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, and the six graduates can now look back on a successful four-year training program that has resulted in a concrete contribution to Curaçao's education sector.
The achievement also underscores the importance of continued investment in teacher development as part of broader efforts to improve educational quality and address shortages of qualified educators on the island.