The main focus of the visit was to discuss the Council’s preliminary findings, particularly the two key areas the study concentrated on for St Eustatius: school transitions and inclusive education.
The Executive Council raised a number of important matters related to these topics. These included the transition from primary to secondary education, as well as the challenges students face when moving from secondary to higher education beyond the shores of Statia. The need for advance preparations for students who will study abroad was also highlighted. Furthermore, the Council emphasised the importance of establishing a dedicated education department, increasing parental involvement after primary education, and strengthening the role of the Compulsory Education Officer (Truancy Officer) within secondary schools.
Other matters raised included healthcare coverage for students in the USA, the continuous professional development of school staff, and a comparison of the success rates of Statian students studying in the Netherlands versus those in the USA. The implementation of Dutch as a strong second language and the strengthening of career guidance for students were also identified as key areas for further development.
