Holds extensive talks with Haagse Hogeschool, Dutch Ministry of Education Officials and PvdA MP Tanja Jadnanansing
Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, Dr. Rhoda Arrindell continued her first official visit to The Netherlands Wednesday with meetings with a number of Dutch education authorities.
The Minister visited the Haagse Hogeschool where she held discussions with Anna Maria Andriol as well as the Chairman of the Board of the school, Mr. Rob Brons. Ms. Andriol has been involved with minority organizations for many years, and had visited the USA several times to seek possibilities that would help students from minority cultures in the Dutch community to excel and be more successful in their studies. Ms. Andriol was impressed with the Minister’s vision and pledged her full support in every way possible to make it a reality.
Next stop was the much anticipated visit to the Dutch Ministry of Education where the Minister met with the Director General Renk Roborgh, accompanied by the legal advisor, Aldrik in ‘t Hout, and two other officials, Winny Flippo-Claproth and Marije Feersma Hoekstra respectively.
Minister Arrindell discussed the of the CXC students under the same conditions that were arranged for students from Saba. She further discussed the study financing funds that are set aside yearly to assist Dutch Caribbean students with studying in the region and the need for St. Martin to urgently submit its request for the 2011 funds to be turned over to her.
The Minister gave an outline of her vision for education on St. Martin, stressing the need to educate our young men in particular as a start in the efforts to repair our society. She also gave a detailed explanation of the experimental education project with Ujima Foundation.
Mr. Roborgh was very receptive to the Minister’s ideas and even offered many valuable suggestions on how to achieve some of her goals. He clarified the issue of the Euro 3000 fine imposed on students who take too long to complete their studies. He also spoke of the cooperation protocol as well as the planning for the Ministers’ conference in 2012, preparations for which are to commence with a meeting of top civil servants in January.
Minister Arrindell and her delegation then visited the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament where she was given a guided tour. This was followed by a meeting with the representative of the PvdA, Tanja Jadnanansing who is also charged with education. The Minister once again had a very fruitful exchange of ideas. The two discussed the issue of the fine for students who fail to complete their studies on time as well as what can be done to better prepare our students who choose to further their education in Holland.
Earlier in the morning, Minister Arrindell and her delegation paid a courtesy visit to the offices of Minister Plenipotentiary, Mr. Mathias Voges in The Hague. Mr. Voges gave an outline of his tasks and how he had been keeping himself busy thus far since his move to Holland in December 2010. Minister Arrindell took the opportunity to share her views on the future of education in St. Martin.