Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (ECYS) Rodolphe Samuel announced a milestone (see related story) for public education. After noting that primary schools were lacking in technology, he vowed to put a digital board in every classroom.
The governor has now reportedly given his approval and all teachers are getting a laptop as well to prepare interactive lessons using the new electronic devices. This should greatly help motivate students and enhance their learning skills.
Several private school boards have long since done similar upgrades. However, public education was lagging mainly due to limited resources. It is now “on its way,” according to the minister, adding that “no one will be left behind” going forward.
While the latter obviously depends on other factors too, his point is well-taken. Modern tools make a significant difference.
There has been a lot of talk about the so-called “country package” with fiscal and socioeconomic reforms. However, investing in education is equally important, not only for better infrastructure and equipment, but also regarding content, approach, training staff, etc.
Another news item in today’s paper is that the Council of Ministers has approved a draft National Decree containing general measures to enforce the Compulsory Education Ordinance, which states that a supervisory body must be designated to register unjustified absenteeism and prevent such. Once ratified, the bill gives ECYS’ Inspectorate the authority to impose administrative fines and – in case of frequent violations – act with the involvement of Child Protection.
To be clear, any youngster living in St. Maarten, regardless of their legal status, needs to be in the classroom. That is part of the reason you will never see an immigration raid at local schools.
Let’s face it, children can neither be blamed for whatever residency issues they may experience nor punished by denying them their basic right to education, with all possible consequences for the community in terms of delinquency and unemployment. Besides, it’s the law.
