Shortage of primary school places on Bonaire needs urgent attention, says Ombudswoman for Children
Margrite Kalverboer, the Ombudswoman for Children, is calling on Minister for Primary and Secondary Education and Equality Tielen to remedy the shortage of primary school places on Bonaire before the start of the new school year. At the moment, there is a substantial group of children who are not attending primary school. By the start of the new school year in August, the shortage of places will only have increased. This is unacceptable, according to the Ombudswoman for Children, who wants to see a speedy solution to this problem.
Margrite Kalverboer, Ombudswoman for Children: ”At the moment, there are children who are not receiving any kind of education at all. I find that extremely concerning. Because the longer children sit at home, the more it negatively affects their further schooling and development. Children have a right to education. But in the current situation, that right is being undermined. I therefore call on the Minister to take swift remedial action.”
Parents’ complaints
The Ombudswoman for Children has received many complaints from parents. The say that their child is unable to attend school because the primary schools are full. This has severe consequences for children, but also for parents who are sometimes forced to stay at home. By doing so, they run the risk of losing their job and, consequently, their income,with all the associated consequences.
Difficult working relations
Following talks with the responsible agencies on Bonaire and in the Netherlands, the Ombudswoman for Children sees obstacles that are not contributing to a long-term solution. For example, the lack of a joint and constructive approach that would remedy the situation across the board. The Ombudswoman for Children is therefore calling on both the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and the responsible agencies on Bonaire to make a maximum effort to find a solution to the shortage of primary school places as quickly as possible.