WILLEMSTAD — The number of students enrolled in subsidized secondary vocational education on Curaçao has declined by approximately 20 percent over the past ten years, according to a new report by the Inspectie Onderwijs.
The findings are detailed in the report Estado di enseñansa profeshonal sekundario i formashon profeshonal 2025, which was previously submitted to the Curaçao Parliament by the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports. Alongside the drop in enrollment, the Inspectorate concludes that the quality of vocational education meets the required basic quality standards only to a limited extent.
According to the report, student numbers fell from 3,352 in 2014 to 2,665 in 2024. This decline comes at a time when vocational education is widely regarded as increasingly important for aligning education with labor market needs and supporting Curaçao’s economic development. Notably, the proportion of male students rose during the same period, from 44 percent to 53 percent.
The Inspectorate calls for a coherent national strategy for vocational education and training. Such a strategy should focus on reforms in legislation, governance, financing, and quality assurance, and would require coordinated commitment from all stakeholders involved in the sector.
Without far-reaching measures, the Inspectorate warns of further deterioration in a sector considered crucial for preparing young people for employment and further education, as well as for strengthening Curaçao’s long-term economic resilience.