PHILIPSBURG:--- In recognition of World Youth Skills Day, the United Nations will be hosting a forum on July 16, 2018 to discuss what skills youth need to operate in future economies and to become drivers of a sustainable future, especially with consideration of modern innovations and technologies that are impacting the labour market.
Locally, we too must analyse the best way of preparing our youth for the labour market. Young people require both theoretical education and practical training to position themselves for employment and/or entrepreneurship.
Too many of our young people have a difficult transition between school and the job market. Some are counted as inexperienced, others are told they are over-qualified. Therefore, we must guide them to finding the right balance and optimizing their God-given talents. Every child must be encouraged to use their hands and mind, maximizing their vocational and academic opportunities.
This is the reason vocational training institutions have the Government’s full support, and why during the administration of this Cabinet, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports has the goal of finalizing the National Ordinance on Higher Education. The University of St. Martin will be targeted to become a self-sustained university as an integral player in national and international development.
As the Governing Program 2018-2022 outlines, this Ministry will be aiming to improve the current school curricula, pursuing increased employment opportunities for the youth, being innovative with presenting our culture within the communities as part of our tourism product, and promoting more “Made in Sint Maarten” products. The governing program is available via the Government’s website at www.sintmaartengov.org.
Sint Maarteners, we are a skilled people, always “tunnin we han”, as the elders say. Our youth have this heritage to their advantage, coupled with their generation’s aptitude for data processing, programming and technological advances. It is our duty to guide them into being producers, not just consumers. Let us encourage all to use their skills, talents and abilities for the sustainable development of our beloved Sint Maarten.
Wycliffe Smith
Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports
