Refusing to register four-year-olds at local primary schools is against the law (see related story) confirmed Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (ECYS) Melissa Gumbs (PFP) during Wednesday’s press briefing. Member of Parliament (MP) Egbert Doran (NA) recently questioned the practice of letting admittance depend on the month of birth.
The minister was asked about the situation where pupils with apparent learning difficulties must first enrol at regular schools to possibly transfer to the Dutch side’s only special education school after evaluation when they turn 7. Some schools apparently prefer not to accept these children because they lack resources to deal with such.
But according to the Foundation Based Education (FBE) Ordinance children must enter Group 1 from the age of 4. That implies regular schools will need to accommodate them for now, while research is done on possibly allowing an earlier switch to special education.
This is the reality of compulsory education, which does not distinguish or discriminate. Everyone must be in the classroom, it’s as simple as that.
For the same reason, a letter by then Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards to school boards advising not to register undocumented youngsters was never implemented at the time. If they live in St. Maarten, youngsters should be attending school.
The lack of legal status among students is nevertheless a serious issue that has possible repercussions when they become adults. It requires a more holistic approach, however.
Although Dutch nationality certainly complicates matters, people with proof of being born in the country should be granted automatic residency. Perhaps immediate citizenship rights do not have to be included, but in principle “from here self” ought to mean something.
