Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, Honorable Silveria Jacobs recently came up with a brilliant idea to get the staff of the Ministry of Education, Culture Youth & Sports involved in the Education on the Move Campaign.
Recognizing that the schools are in dire need of a face-lift and while awaiting the critical upgrade, the Minister decided to tackle the minor repairs and maintenance in a phased manner. The St. Maarten Vocational Training School (SMVTS) and the Oranje school were identified as needing the upgrade first and the other schools will be tackled as the school year progresses and volunteers from within MECYS as well as other Ministries and the community at large are welcome to join in promoting education at all levels.
The Minister requested the staff of MECYS to volunteer their time to assist with the beautification of the St. Maarten Vocational Training School and the Oranje School and this initiative started on Wednesday the 3rd of August 2016 and continued on different days. A great number of staff members volunteered as well as some of the BOPP (Business Outreach Placement Program) Students who were placed in jobs for the summer by the Youth Department, they all participated in the clean-up and painting of the 2 schools.
The Minister expressed that we must lead by example and that when asking for assistance from the outside, we must be able to show that we also greatly believe in volunteerism. Minister Jacobs also takes this opportunity to encourage volunteerism throughout the school year. Parents and interested persons should approach the schools and after school programs and make themselves available to assist in whatever way they can. It truly takes a village and each of us can contribute in various ways to the education and development of our youth, needy and even the elderly.
The Education on the Move Campaign encompasses every possible action that involves the improvement of our Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Product.
The Minister also expressed her sincerest gratitude to all the volunteers who came out and assisted in the beautification of the schools and said that this is only the beginning of such initiatives.