SABA/ST. EUSTATIUS--Parents of children who go to secondary school after the upcoming summer holidays can apply with the Unit of Social Affairs and Employment at Government Department Caribbean Netherlands RCN SZW unit for a contribution towards the cost of school supplies.
The SZW school package consists of vouchers for school uniforms, shoes and stationery. Families in Bonaire with an income up to US $1,250 net per month are eligible for this support. In St. Eustatius the income limit is $1,583 and in Saba $1,480 net per month, per household. If several children from the same family attend secondary school, an application can also be made if the income is slightly higher.
An application can be made at the office of the SZW unit or by e-mail. The application form can be retrieved on website
www.rijksdienstcn.com under “Social Affairs.”
In Saba and Statia, parents and caregivers can visit SZW during morning hours, Monday through Thursday, until July 1. In Bonaire there are special consultation hours June 15 to June 22.
Parents and caregivers who do not have the opportunity to come by at these times and who cannot submit a digital request, can make an appointment by sending an email to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling or sending a text through WhatsApp to tel. 781-0343.
Applicants must bring or send a valid identification (ID) card, pay slips and bank statements of the past two months, and a marriage or family book. These documents must also be supplied by a partner who is part of the same household.
In addition, it must be proven that the child attends secondary school, by means of a certificate of enrolment or the latest report card from primary school. A guardian or caregiver must also present a decree showing that he or she is the legal caregiver.
The SZW unit said it hopes that as many people as possible submit a digital application, in connection with the measures relating to the coronavirus.
Applicants who visit the office can fill in the application form in the waiting room to make the process run smoothly and to prevent too many people gathering in the building.
Parents of children attending primary education can contact the public entities for support.
