On March 10th and 11th a delegation from Unicef was in Sint Maarten to have preliminary discussions with Government and non Governmental Organizations regarding the implementation and monitoring of the Convention on the rights of the Child.
UNICEF advocates for the protection of children’s Rights of the United Nations.
The visit was coordinated by Mrs Shermina Powell Senior Policy Officer of the Section Youth Affairs and drs. Angela M.Dekker Project Manager Innovations of the Department of Educational Research Policy and Innovation.
During their visit the delegation had meetings with:
Commissioner of Education Mrs Sarah Wescot-Williams and Heads of the Departments of Education, Health, DERPI, Social Cultural Development
With NGO’s such as SIFMA, Youth Council, representatives of the foster homes and the Schools for "undocumented" children.
A visit was made to one of the community schools and Sophia’s Camp
The delegation consisted of the Director Unicef Eastern Caribbean office in Barbados, Director Unicef South Caribbean, and a senior officer , in Guyana and Senior Programme Officer Unicef in Holland.
The delegation was pleased with the way the different organizations are working on meeting the requirements of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
They are willing to give their technical support in the areas where Sint Maarten needs that.
This will be discussed with the Governmental and non-Governmental organizations.
Angela Dekker