PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport has launched a Conflict Resolution Training (CRT) pilot to tackle rising student violence in schools. The project, led by the Division for Educational Innovation (DEI), brings together educators, first-form students, and their parents to build safer and more supportive learning environments.
This training responds to rising levels of student violence, including fights, bullying, intimidation, classroom disruption, and cyberbullying, documented in recent UNICEF and Court of Guardianship reports. The CRT pilot aims to strengthen school safety, improve student well-being, and equip educators with tools to prevent and manage conflict more effectively.
The first week of training, held at the Sundial School and facilitated by regional youth development consultant Dwynette D. Eversley, brought together 15 educators from Sundial School, the St. Maarten Vocational Training School, and the St. Maarten Academy Vocational Business Campus. The program introduces a system-wide approach, grounded in global best practices, including Social and Emotional Learning, Nonviolent Communication, Positive Youth Development, Trauma-Informed Care, and restorative practices, with the goal of promoting more peaceful and supportive school communities.
Throughout the week, educators discussed the significant challenges they face and agreed that all school personnel, not only teachers, must play a role in shifting school culture toward peace and respect. Participants explored the socio-ecological factors influencing youth behavior and emphasized the importance of stronger parental involvement, consistent policies, and unified approaches across schools. Key outcomes included a shared Safe Space Charter and agreement on a standardized student referral system to ensure timely support for students in need.
The CRT is aligned with the national Youth Monitor, which will be used to assess school climate and track program impact. As the initiative moves into its next phase, the students will help co-create the Safe Space Charter while developing peer leadership skills through tools such as mediation logs and peace scorecards.
Week one closed with renewed optimism among educators, who expressed their commitment to building school environments defined by care, respect, and positive relationships. The long-term program will continue through 2026 and is supported by a team of consultants with extensive experience in youth violence prevention across the Caribbean.
As Week Two begins, the focus shifts to direct student involvement and a parent workshop, ensuring that both learners and families play an active role in building safer, more supportive school environments. This phase will be led by Caribbean Associates for Life Skills, Mediation and Management Director, Mr. Marlon Bascombe and Social Impact & Grant Strategy Training Specialist, Mr. Kwasi Cudjoe, who will guide Form one students through activities designed to strengthen peer leadership, co-create the Safe Space Charter, and further embed a culture of peace within the pilot schools. New tools including peace scorecards, mediation logs, and parent–student pledges will help schools document progress and continuously refine their approach.
The Division for Educational Innovation is a division within the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport dedicated to advancing educational quality in St. Maarten. DEI designs and implements projects that strengthen teaching, learning and student wellbeing and focuses on promoting innovation across the educational system.
