The Education Council of the Netherlands is pleased to invite stakeholders in the Caribbean Netherlands to attend a meeting on 16, 20 or 23 April 2026 to discuss the Council report on education in the Caribbean Netherlands, which was published on 13 April. In the report, the Council presents a comprehensive analysis of the functioning of the Dutch education system in Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius. To what extent is it possible to deliver good education on the islands within the framework of that system?
The islands of Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius became part of the Netherlands on 10 October 2010. As a result, the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science assumed responsibility for education on the islands. This meant that education on the islands became an integral part of the Dutch education system. Since then, the Dutch government in The Hague has borne equal responsibility for delivering good education in the European and Caribbean parts of the Netherlands.
The Education Council is organising a meeting on each island to discuss its report on education in the Caribbean Netherlands. During these meetings the chair of the Education Council, Louise Elffers, Council member Susan te Pas and project leader Talitha Stam will present the contents of the report. There will also be conversations with various stakeholders, such as the island governor, commissioner, representatives of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), school boards, principals, teachers and students. Each meeting will conclude with a reception.
Admission is from 3.30 pm. The meeting will begin at 4.00 pm and will end no later than 6.30 pm. The meetings will take place on the following dates:
- Sint Eustatius, 16 April
- Saba, 20 April
- Bonaire, 23 April
Register
You can register using this link.