KRALENDIJK – Schools on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba are receiving additional financial support for technical education. This investment enables the schools to further strengthen their technical programs and align them better with the future job market.

The schools on the three islands work within different educational systems. Bonaire follows the Dutch system, while Saba and Sint Eustatius use the English-language Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ). This requires creative solutions to tailor technical education to the needs of all students.

Increased Interest in Technology

Elton Johnson, program manager of Strong Technical Education (STO), explains that it is important to involve young people more in technical fields. “On Bonaire and Saba, technology is already well-known, but parents and the community aren’t always aware of the great careers technology can offer. On Sint Eustatius, we especially want to break the stereotypes about technology,” says Johnson.

During a joint work week on Sint Eustatius and Saba, the schools developed a shared vision, with six key goals: A technology program will be developed that aligns with the changing job market and further education; technology will be integrated into the broader curriculum; more internships will be created that meet official standards; sufficient and well-trained technical education staff will be ensured; technical education will gain more visibility and appreciation among students, parents, and the community; and there will be stronger collaboration between the islands, local businesses, and governments.

Preparing for the Future

With the additional funding, the aim is to inspire more young people to pursue a career in technology. “We want to make sure our students are well-prepared for a future where technology is becoming increasingly important,” says Johnson. “By further strengthening technical education, we can ensure that more students choose well-paid technical jobs and together build a sustainable future for Bonaire.”