Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao Sign Agreement to Protect, Strengthen, and Develop Papiamento
ORANJESTAD—Recently, Aruba hosted the three heads of education of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, who signed a continuation agreement for historical cooperation focused on our language: Papiamento.
Present during the signing were the Minister of Education of Aruba, Mrs. Gerlien Croes; the Minister of Education of Curacao, Mr. Sithree (Cey) van Heydoorn; and the Deputy of Bonaire, Mrs. Nina den Heyer. They reaffirmed their commitment to collaboratively develop educational materials, teaching methods, teacher training and professionalization, linguistic research, and the promotion of the proper use of Papiamento in schools and the community..
Minister Gerlien Croes pointed out that the moment is crucial for the region's identity and educational progress. The government assumes a firm commitment to invest time, energy, and resources in cooperation with the Kingdom to strengthen our Papiamento language. This is true regardless of the language policy that each island chooses to implement in its educational system.
Minister Gerlien Croes thanked all the officials, technical teams, and education professionals who cooperate, especially considering that Papiamento is under continuous pressure from other languages.
This agreement highlights the importance of inclusive education, promoting multilingual citizens while ensuring our community learns and engages with its language.
A working group will continue to implement the agreement, exchange of materials, and an agenda for continued professionalization.