ORANJESTAD, Aruba – During the Four-Country Consultation on Bonaire, minister Gerlien Croes, responsible for Kingdom relations, education, youth, innovation, and sport, signed a new agreement that further strengthens cooperation between the Caribbean islands and the Netherlands in the field of education and culture.
The signing marks a joint step in strengthening knowledge exchange, cultural development, and sustainable education initiatives within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The agreement confirms the shared commitment to continue collaborating on projects and programs that contribute to educational and cultural growth in the Kingdom.
The main points discussed were:
- The continuation of the Kibrahacha project, aimed at further professionalizing and strengthening teacher training;
- The exchange of ideas and strategies to encourage students to return to the islands after studying abroad;
- Collaboration in healthcare training, to increase capacity and knowledge within the healthcare sector; • The continuation of the “Dutch as a Foreign Language” program in schools, to strengthen language skills;
- The further implementation of the Strategic Education Alliance;
- And continued support through the Culture Fund and Cultural Education, to promote arts and cultural identity.
Minister Croes highlighted that the meeting aimed to strengthen the collaborative relationships essential for collective progress.
“We share a common goal: an education and culture system that is inclusive, sustainable, and tailored to the needs of our young people and our community. This collaboration lays the foundation for a future with greater opportunities for growth and connection between our islands and the Netherlands.”
The Four-Country Consultation meeting continues a tradition of constructive dialogue, transparency, and unity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with a continued focus on progress in education and culture for all citizens.