Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
PHILIPSBURG – Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Silveria Jacobs recently came up with the idea to get the staff of the Ministry of Education, Culture Youth and Sports involved in the Education on the Move (EOM) 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 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 SMVTS and the Oranje School. This initiative started on Wednesday, August 3, and continued on different days.
A great number of staff members volunteered as well as some students of the Business Outreach Placement Program (BOPP). Students who were placed in jobs for the summer by the Youth Department, participated in the clean-up and painting of the 2 schools.
“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 stated. Minister Jacobs also took 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,†she continued.
The EOM campaign encompasses every possible action that involves the improvement of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Product.
The Minister also express her sincere gratitude to all volunteers who came out, and assisted in the beautification of the schools. She said that this is only the beginning of such initiatives.
