The Bottom, Saba- State Secretary TamaraVan Ark started her working visit to Saba on Wednesday morning at the Sacred Heart Primary School where she joined a group of pupils and teacher Jarmila Wilson-Berkel to hear about the benefits of the ‘Opportunities for All Children’ program.

Through this program, children receive a healthy breakfast at school, and those pupils that need it, get supplied with a laptop for their school work, a school uniform, shoes and clothing, and a package with food for the summer vacation.

Pupils from different classes were present in the class room to share their stories with the State Secretary, who was clearly very interested. Van Ark was very attentive to the pupils’ stories, the explanation by teacher Jarmila and she asked several questions.

The State Secretary said that the information was very helpful in the discussions about programs such as Kansen voor Alle Kinderen and the BES(t)4Kids which focuses on the strengthening of the local day care and after school care facilities.

School breakfast

Teacher Jarmila said that the school breakfast helps the children to be more alert and more focused in class, and it enhances their participation. And, to make sure that no child feels left out, the school, through the Kansen voor Alle Kinderen program helps to provide clothing, a school uniform and shoes for those that need it.