To address the high temperatures in Curaçao schools, the Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports (OWCS), Sithree van Heydoorn, is allocating one million guilders to purchase air conditioners, ventilators, and glasses.
These funds will be distributed among the eight schools. Additionally, school hours will be temporarily adjusted; primary schools will close at 12:00 PM for the next two weeks, and secondary education at 12:30 PM.
During the press conference, the minister acknowledged the risk of learning deficits, which have already been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. He emphasized the importance of the health and well-being of both students and teachers. Van Heydoorn noted the need to be cautious not to set a precedent for other sectors experiencing heat-related challenges.
The minister acknowledged the challenges for working parents who will need to pick up their children from school earlier. School boards will continue to be responsible for children who are not picked up immediately. The minister also recognized complaints about excessive homework from after-school care and other educational institutions.
Long-term agreements have been made with the Meteorological Service Curaçao regarding climate control guidelines. Regarding the installation of air conditioners, Van Heydoorn mentioned significant challenges, such as necessary maintenance and high installation costs. Aqualectra will conduct an inventory to facilitate the installation of air conditioners, including an analysis of monthly electricity costs. Many classrooms lack the necessary infrastructure, such as 220V, required to run air conditioning.curacaochronicle.com