PHILIPSBURG:--- Out of the 19 persons that requested study financing under the “studying in the region program” some 12 of them got a positive response announced Minister of Finance Silveria Jacobs.
The Minister of Education said that this program is aimed at encouraging students to study at USM and at other institutions within the region.
Another good news for students studying in Tallahassee Community College has increased to 20 students compared to 10. She said some four students that currently studying at TCC and was paying out of state tuition will now benefit from the new agreement starting January 2016. She said instate students pay $1,500.00 while out of state students pays $4,600.00.
Asked if Government is moving forward with its discussions at NIPA and if they intend to continue the programs there, the Minister said discussions are continuing even though information is not forthcoming. Minister Jacobs said that government intentions is to further improve the school in order for it to allow students to study at the institution. She did not hesitate to say that NIPA has not delivered the kind of programs and results it was built for.
Asked if Government is working on getting USM accredited which would allow St. Maarten students to study at home the Minister said the tertiary law has not been finalized but the draft the law is current legislation is with legal affairs for finalization. She said that unless the tertiary education law in place, USM cannot get the much needed accreditation. Minister Jacobs said that while USM is providing some accredited programs some students and their parents refused to allow their children to study at home.
The Minister also announced that she visited some 23 of the 26 schools last week to familiarize herself with the students, teachers and other staff. Asked by SMN News if any of the schools, parents or students expressed concerns about having pedophiles teaching or working in the school community. Minister Jacob said that was not raised during her visits but government and schools are aware of at least one case, and that government have been working on a protocol that will address several concerns that are hindering education, including the rights of the child.
