Phase 2 Certificates Presented to SVT-20 Students
ORANJESTAD – On August 26, certificates were presented to four of the seven young people who successfully completed Phase 2 of the Social Development Program (SVT-20).
Among those in attendance at the ceremony were Prime Minister Mike Eman, Minister of Health, Social Affairs, Senior Care and Addiction Care, Dr. Melvin Wyatt-Ras, and the following guests:
The students who completed Phase 2 of SVT-20 are Hazel, Kock, Ponson, Ridderstaat, Tromp, Werleman, and Yarzagaray. Hazel, Ridderstaat, and Tromp were unable to attend the ceremony because they are currently in Corsica pursuing further education.
The group completed Phase 1 in December 2025, following four months of intensive discipline, guidance, and personal development at the Savaneta Marine Barracks, under the supervision of the Training and Education Team (O&T) of the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps.
During the eight months of Phase 2, the students combined internships with local companies with a variety of courses. These courses focused on areas including communication, financial management, customer service, personal development, leadership, and digital skills.
The combination of training and practical experience gave the students the opportunity to apply what they learned, take responsibility, and adapt to a professional work environment.
The Government congratulates the graduates on this achievement and encourages them to continue building on the foundation they established during the program. The certificate recognizes the effort they put into successfully completing this phase. When a young person makes progress, their family and community grow along with them.
Special thanks go to Social Development coordinator Jessica Ras; Shamila Williams for her contribution to the Phase 2 courses; Commander Buijs and Captain Ligtvoet; the O&T Arumil and Royal Netherlands Marine Corps personnel; as well as all the mentors, professionals, companies, and organizations that supported and guided the young people throughout their journey.
As the SVT-20 graduates move forward to their next step, a new group of young people began their own SVT-21 journey this week.