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Science and Education

Science and education are the basis of any progressive society and economy. Curaçao is a life-long-learning community.

English is the language of instruction. Papiamentu will be taught in school. Multiple languages will remain a characteristic of our system of education. The educational system will shift from information and memorizing-based to being based on concepts and mastering principles. The system will focus on the four Cs: Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity, in addition to other valuable 21st century skills.

The pandemic has taught us that distance learning is the new normal. For other reasons, like keeping kids from the streets and giving them the opportunity to socialize with peers by practicing sports and arts, the hours at school have increased. The system is inspired by the school model of Finland, which emphasizes playing. The school educates (global) citizens who are creative and productive members of society regardless of having a formal job. We are teaching and learning mutual respect, solidarity, and empathy.

When it comes to higher education, Curaçao is a knowledge center for Small Islands Developing States and all aspects of maritime knowledge. Curaçao is a center for Transnational Education. Curaçao has a group of collaborating research centers, like Carmabi and the Jacob Geltdekker Institute, creating value for the world.

The values of freedom and equality are embraced by all citizens of Curaçao. All young people receive tools through education at all levels to develop themselves into tolerant and social adults who make conscious choices.

More attention will be paid to creativity and self-reliance at school. The approach of teachers: less control and more confidence. Schools pay more attention to the ‘doughnut’-economy and sustainability. The curriculum includes lessons about our society, democracy, citizens’ rights, and responsibilities, and integrity. The system explains how our society is governed and structured. It provides simple lessons, such as those related to who pays for medical care, education, and infrastructure. It gives an understanding of how the whole system works because the government’s budget is not endless. If we all pay tax, the government can take care of is taking the car.

The pandemic has taught us that distance learning is the new normal. For other reasons, the hours at school are increased. The system is inspired by the school model of Finland, emphasizing playing. The school educates (global) citizens who are creative and productive members of society regardless of having a formal job. We are teaching and learn mutual respect, solidarity, and empathy.

The system will include a myriad of other things as well, including the following:

  • Economic Lessons, entrepreneurship
  • Health, more sports. More facilities for walking and cycling.
  • Connection vocational education – labor market. Research, future of work, changing jobs (tasks, talents), basic income?
  • Science and education are the basis of any progressive society and economy.
  • Curaçao is a life-long-learning community.
  • English is the primary language. Papiamentu will be taught in school.
  • Curaçao is a knowledge center for Small Islands Developing States and all aspects of maritime knowledge.
  • Curaçao has a group of collaborating research centers, like Carmabi and the Jacob Geltdekker Institute.
  • Curaçao is a center for Transnational Education.

Education: From Information and Memorization to Concepts and Principals.

The “four Cs” will be central; Critical thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity,

The focus will be on general-purpose life skills instead of predetermined skills. A 360-degree view of concepts using the cross-curricular application of 21st-century tools, spanning several areas of study (for example physical science, geography, world history, and earth science) will be thought,

Children will be taught the importance of reinvention. Since the only constant is change and change will be accelerated in the future, the ability to deal with change will be of the utmost importance. Instead of teaching children how to efficiently cram a lot of information, when this information is readily available on the internet, children will be taught how to make sense of that information, while also prioritizing and combining it.

Since dealing with constant change can be very stressful for the human mind, learning how to deal with mental flexibility and emotional balance will part of the 2030 educational curriculum. Curaçao is exporting research and knowledge to the region - a developed Knowledge Economy (example fields IT, maritime/coastal, urbanization, agriculture/environment, alternative energy, transport, design).

The system will include at least one high-quality education center ranking in the top 3 of the best regional universities, attracting local and international students, and local and international teachers/professors give classes. The university itself becomes a vibrant place of innovation and knowledge-sharing. University expands, with more students, on-site/nearby student housing, research centers, start-ups.

Good public transport connections (perhaps free for students) will be provided to all schools and universities. Internet and laptops will be provided for all children to offer digital education. More attention will be paid to the Science and Technology curriculum at schools, starting from primary school. Next to English, Papiamentu, Dutch, coding languages are also taught at a young age.

(Research of) Use of data and automation to develop more efficient networks, transport, public services, food supply, safety and security.

A modern and well-visited library with the proper amenities and services to offer space for people to meet, discuss, exchange ideas, organize workshops. A place to meet, share ideas and knowledge.

Attractive and regularly organized local and international science/technology challenges to stimulate students to collaborate and innovate.

Local studying abroad returns, temporarily and long-term versions, with attractive programs for internships and traineeships.

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