Inclusive Education

GREAT BAY--The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS) is till focused on inclusive education and the implementation of a comprehensive Special Needs Policy, aimed at ensuring that every child in St. Maarten can access quality education regardless of ability.

As part of this initiative, the Ministry is rolling out a web-based training program for educators in both primary and secondary schools. This training falls under the Fostering Resilience Learning Project (FRLP), supported by the World Bank Trust Fund. The Ministry is currently finalizing the procurement process to select a service provider to develop a customized curriculum tailored to St. Maarten’s inclusive education objectives.

In parallel, the Ministry is finalizing a roadmap for the full implementation of the Special Needs Policy, which includes the development of a funding framework. This will enable school boards to formally request resources to support students with special educational needs.

To ensure the long-term sustainability of inclusive education, the Ministry is adopting a phased implementation plan that will embed the policy into legal frameworks. This strategy includes comprehensive training for educational professionals, the allocation of human and financial resources, and continuous guidance and support throughout the rollout.

“Our goal is to institutionalize inclusive education as a core principle in our school system,” said Minister of ECYS Melissa Gumbs. “Every child in St. Maarten deserves access to an education system that understands and responds to their individual needs.”

This initiative reflects the Ministry’s broader commitment to equity in education and to building a school environment where all learners, regardless of their background or challenges, can thrive.

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