Cole Bay: -- Some thirty teachers who are presently working at five of the private schools on St. Maarten began training and support yesterday at the Carl and Sons Conference Room. The training which will last for three days is provided by APS agency which is funded by the CEES-POT funds in the Netherlands.
Educator and Trainer Guss Perry said this is the first of four workshops scheduled for St. Maarten after the SUMEF (St. Maarten United Multi-purpose Educational Foundation) made the request on behalf of the five schools that are members of the foundation. Schools that are participating in the trainings are Starlight Education, St. Maarten Star Foundation, A.C.E Foundation, Twin Star Foundation, and School of Arts Foundation.
Perry said he already visited the schools and had a first hand look at what is taking place at these schools. While some of the facilities are adequate for teaching and housing students he felt some of them are too cramped and overcrowded. "There are 35 students crammed in one room and for me that is not enough space for teaching" Perry said.
The APS he said gives support and training to teachers who are in need all of which is at the expense of the CEES-POT funds. He said the program is really good for both students and teachers.
A press conference is scheduled for Friday where more information will be given on the workshop.