The Action Plan focuses on three priorities. First, the government will consider children’s rights in all decisions. Second, it will give children and young people a stronger voice in policies that affect them. Third, it will improve mental health support, resilience, and access to safe places to play.
More than 200 children and young people shared their views to help shape the plan. Statia Government will use this input to help build a safer, healthier, and more inclusive environment where every child can grow and thrive.
On Friday, 13 February 2026, Island Commissioner Rechelline Leerdam and CFCI Coordinator Monica Smith visited the island’s primary schools. They visited Golden Rock School, Governor de Graaff School, Seventh-day Adventist School (Lynch Plantation), and Bethel Methodist School. They also visited Gwendoline van Putten School, the island’s secondary school. During the visits, they distributed a youth edition of the Action Plan. The booklet explains the government’s commitments in clear, accessible language. It helps students understand their rights and how they can take part in community life.
Island Commissioner Leerdam said: “We must take children’s rights into account in every decision we make as a government. That includes policymaking, infrastructure, and public programmes and spaces. As the first island in the Caribbean Netherlands to join UNICEF’s Child Friendly Cities Initiative, we are putting this into practice. We will strengthen youth participation, support well-being, and build a safe, supportive environment where every child on Statia can grow and thrive.”
The Island Commissioner noted that the Government has already applied this approach in public initiatives. She pointed to the rebranding of the island’s tourism logo, where students gave feedback and took part in the selection process. She also commended CFCI Coordinator Monica Smith for developing the youth edition. Island Commissioner Leerdam welcomed the strong interest shown by students during the school visits.
A student welcomed the youth edition, noting its relevance: “It’s cool to finally see a government plan that’s written for us. This booklet makes me feel like my ideas for our island are included.”
For more information, the full technical version of the CFCI Action Plan for parents, educators, and community stakeholders is available on the Statia Government website via the link. Openbaar Lichaam Sint Eustatius: Document
