ORANJESTAD — The Ministries of Education of Aruba and the Netherlands have concluded a mutual agreement to gain clarification on the recognition of Aruban diplomas. In particular, it regards the havo and vwo diplomas from youngsters, which Dutch educational institutes do not automatically recognize.
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The Minister of Justice and Education, Arthur Dowers (AVP) announced this during the presentation of a large number of plans to tackle problems in the Aruban education. It often regards problems of long standing that were not tackled, according to Dowers, for instance the matter of the recognition of Aruban diplomas in the Netherlands.
The Minister states there is now an agreement between both countries that should lead to a study group. This study group must make an inventory of which educational profiles Aruba uses. The aim is to come up with a guarantee that the diplomas will be equalized so that Aruban youngsters will not encounter problems later on with a follow-up study in the Netherlands.
Aruba and the Netherlands also agreed there will be financing for scholarships to Aruban youngsters. In addition, Aruba may expect financing for adult education. It not only regards courses, says the Minister, but also (accelerated) trainings that adults could follow in order to continue with their studies. It regards for example mbo-trainings or following a course for entrepreneurship. The projects are ready says the Minister but what we’re waiting for are the financial means.
New mavo/havo school
The plans for a new secondary school for havo and vwo have been further adjusted. The previous government had wanted to establish this new school at Noord. After a revaluation and conversations with the educational field, the current Minister of Education decided it should not become a havo-vwo school, but that a mavo/havo school links up better with the need. Dowers promises the project will be implemented during this coalition term. Extra mavo schools are particularly needed at Noord and Paradera. "In that case, children no longer have to go to Oranjestad." The new havo education must also arrange for relief of Colegio Arubano in Oranjestad. This school has been coping with overcrowded classes for years. According to the Minister, there are matters that need to be arranged urgently in the special education as well. There are insufficient educational possibilities for children of primary schools requiring special education. That also applies for pupils wishing to attend the secondary education. According to the Minister, EPB currently looks after these children, but there are also pupils who fall by the wayside. According to Dowers, a group of teachers is already enthusiastic about finding solutions.
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