PHILIPSBURG--- In a major step toward modernizing vocational and technical education, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (MECYS), through the Division of Educational Innovation (DEI), partnered with UNESCO to organize an intensive STEAM training for educators at the Sint Maarten Vocational Training School (SMVTS). The three-day workshop held during August 20-22, 2025, introduced teachers to innovative, transdisciplinary teaching methods designed to prepare students for the workforce of tomorrow.

Titled "Revitalizing Vocational & Technical Education through Transdisciplinary STEAM: Empowering St. Maarten’s Educators to Shape the Workforce of Tomorrow," the professional development program was facilitated by FullSTEAM and featured over 15 hours of hands-on learning. The workshop, co-led by keynote speaker Dr. Christian Boakye and co-speaker Jaine Lindo, blended powerful theory with practical application.

Educators engaged directly with cutting-edge tools, including Arduino microcontrollers, Sphero Indi robots, Nanobugs, and building blocks. For many, this was their first encounter with these technologies, sparking a wave of innovative ideas and fresh strategies for their classrooms.

The training followed a clear, progressive structure:

• Day 1: Foundations of STEAM for Vocational Education
• Day 2: Facilitation, Design, and Coding Integration
• Day 3: Implementation and Long-Term Impact

On the final day, participants developed customized 90-day classroom action plans using the S.M.A.R.T. framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). These plans ensure the workshop's momentum translates into tangible and sustainable classroom transformation.

"STEAM training for educators has been a focal point for me since I was first elected in 2020," Minister Gumbs stated. "STEAM education is more than expensive tablets and big smart boards; it's a way of teaching and learning that maximizes the potential of every material and resource available, showing that once we think differently, everything around us can indeed be a tool for development and growth. I'm pleased these trainings at SMVTS went well and I'm looking forward to the public experiencing the Ministry's continued rollout of STEAM training for our educators."

Marcellia Henry, Secretary General of UNESCO Sint Maarten, stated:
"It was exciting to see teachers engaging with new tools and ideas that will not only transform how their students learn, but also empower them to foster innovation, critical thinking, and adaptability skills essential for the 21st-century workforce. By integrating STEAM into vocational learning, we’re doing more than enhancing classroom teaching we’re preparing students for a future shaped by creativity and technology. UNESCO is proud to support efforts that align education with the evolving needs of Sint Maarten."

This workshop is the first of a hybrid program scheduled to run until December 2025. It will include virtual workshops, support groups, and one-on-one coaching to meet educators' evolving needs. Attendees described the training as one of the most impactful professional development experiences. They left with not just new tools but with the confidence to reimagine vocational and technical education in a way that directly aligns with Sint Maarten's future workforce needs. Together, MECYS and its partners are not only revitalizing education but also shaping a new generation of innovators who will build Sint Maarten's tomorrow.

PHILIPSBURG:--- As a precursor to one of our grand upcoming events, our Club will be highlighting outstanding members through monthly spotlights. This initiative serves both to celebrate our members’ achievements and to inspire others in our community by showcasing the impact of Toastmasters leadership and growth.

Toastmasters International is a global organization dedicated to empowering individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. The SXM Achievers Toastmasters Club is known for being one of the most dynamic and trendsetting clubs in the Caribbean, often pioneering practices that have since become staples in successful clubs worldwide.

We have taken Toastmasters beyond traditional office settings and into open public spaces, making the program accessible to all. Along the way, we’ve infused fun and creativity into the educational journey—creating cherished memories through experiences such as our Catamaran Lagoon Cruise & Retreat. We also bring meeting themes to life in unique and inspiring ways. For example, “Let Your Petals Blossom” invited members and international participants to select a flower and creatively express themselves using language inspired by that flower. Similarly, our “Who Pushed Jill Down The Hill” international mock trial transformed a regular meeting into a courtroom drama, where participants stepped into legal roles to deliver both an entertaining and educational experience. Building on that success, we are now preparing for the Mock Retrial of Jack & Jill, an exciting upcoming event that promises to showcase creativity, collaboration, humor and the unique Achievers spirit on an even bigger stage.

The SXM Achievers Toastmasters Club remains open for membership and warmly welcomes new members. Interested individuals can connect with us easily via Facebook.

We would greatly appreciate your support in publishing this first spotlight, and we look forward to submitting future features on a monthly basis.

Thank you for your continued partnership in helping us share these inspiring stories.

CAY HILL:--- Local Department Store COLORS recently made a generous and heartfelt donation to patients of the Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) Ward of St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC). The store has provided gift vouchers that will be distributed to mothers upon discharge, offering them and their newborns an opportunity to receive gifts for their newborn babies. This initiative holds special significance for the Colors family as both of their sons were born at SMMC.

“We were truly grateful to the staff at the OBGYN Ward for the exceptional care and support we experienced during those important moments in our lives,” said Mr. Naresh Kapoor, Managing Director of Colors. “As a token of appreciation, we wanted to give back to other parents who will share in the joy of welcoming new life at SMMC.”

The gift vouchers are redeemable at Colors, located on Backstreet 12B, where parents can present the voucher and collect their gift bag or gift sets with clothing and accessories for their newborns. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to community support and family values.

SMMC’s Patient Care Manager, Antonio Pantophlet, and Supervisor of the OBGYN Ward, Sherryl Carty-Fleming, expressed appreciation for the generous donation, noting that such partnerships between local businesses and the hospital help enhance the patient experience and provide meaningful support to families within the community.

Colors Department Store looks forward to continuing to serve the community and extend its gratitude to the healthcare professionals who dedicate themselves to the well-being of families on the island.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The RISE Foundation has wrapped up its 2025 Back-to-School Drive under the theme “It Starts With Us”, surpassing its original goal of 50 students by equipping 60 children with school packages and providing 10 resource boxes to teachers across four institutions.

Students from Oranje School, Leonald Conner School, and A.C.E. Foundation each received 20 school packages, including backpacks, supplies, and uniform vouchers. Three cycle 2 classes (groups 6–8) at each school also received resource boxes filled with classroom essentials. In addition, 721 Kids Foundation was supported with a dedicated resource box.

Parents expressed the difference the initiative made. “As a single parent, it’s hard to express how much it means to receive assistance when it is most needed. The uniform voucher was a blessing and came in right on time,” said one parent of a participating student.

The drive was fueled by the combined generosity of individuals, businesses, and organizations. RISE teams and volunteers spent two Saturdays at Cost U Less, Super City, and Carrefour, connecting with shoppers and collecting donations. Many individuals gave both in-kind and financially, while others spread the word, ensuring the project reached beyond expectations.

Local businesses also stepped forward with crucial financial support. Brooks and Associates, the first corporate sponsor to come on board without hesitation, gave an early boost that set the tone for the drive. Zhaveri Jewelers, BrightPath Caribbean, and Kooyman followed, helping ensure the goal was met and exceeded.

In-kind contributions also poured in from companies including Penny’s Department Store, Home & U, and Mamacita Store, whose donations went directly into student packages and teacher resource boxes.

Faith-based organizations added their support as well. Mount Zion Evangelical Pentecostal Church provided backpacks, uniform vouchers, and funds toward school shoes, while the Total Restoration Dance Ministry donated uniform vouchers.

Motorworld contributed by loaning two passenger vans, allowing RISE to deliver backpacks, supplies, and teacher resource boxes efficiently to the various schools and institutions.

Support even came from abroad. Heerroots, based in the Netherlands, shipped much-needed school items to Sint Maarten, while Devon Stapleton, also in the Netherlands, gave financially despite personal challenges. Both ensured students had added support from overseas.

Special thanks were also extended to Kooyman for donating 10 packing boxes for the teacher resources, and to barbers who ensured students looked and felt their best: Barber T from VIP Barbershop, Dave and Brandon from Simplicity Barbershop, and Honey Groom, who all donated free cuts and vouchers.

Teachers at Oranje School echoed the impact in the classroom: “This impactful gesture has eased the back-to-school transition and empowered teachers with invaluable supplies for the entire year ahead. Much appreciation for the resource items thoughtfully provided.”

Priya Misir, one of the coordinators of the drive, said: “This drive reminded us that when we come together, businesses, churches, families, and individuals, our impact multiplies. Every backpack, every resource box, and every uniform voucher represents hope, dignity, and opportunity for a child. At RISE, we believe that small acts of kindness ripple into lasting change, and seeing our community step forward in such a powerful way reaffirmed that ‘It Starts With Us.’”

At is core, this drive showcased how the entire community rallied together,” said RISE Foundation president, Chiaira Bowers. “We are deeply grateful for the positive energy and excitement from everyone who gave, and it truly reflected how much Sint Maarten values its youth and their education. As we close this drive, we now head into our year-long Elevate Youth and Family Program, the Fostering Elevation Program, and other youth-led and holiday projects in the coming months.”

For more information and upcoming projects, follow RISE Foundation on Facebook at facebook.com/risesxm, call +1-721-584-7473, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..