Financing for equity in primary and secondary education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to schools
3. Education resources to students and families
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Introduction
In Curaçao, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport (OWCS) oversees the education sector in Curaçao, including the allocation and monitoring of education budgets. Public Schools Service (DOS) serves as the school board for all public schools, operating with relative independence but under OWCS authority, and manages the financial operations of these schools.
Since the 1999-2000 school year, funding has followed the Reimbursement and Accountability System (V&V system), under which OWCS allocates resources to school boards based on pupil enrolment in accordance with Het Landsbesluit Bekostiging Onderwijs (The National Decree on Education Funding). The system reimburses personnel and operational costs while requiring accountability for expenditures. Costs for specialised support staff and school building maintenance are excluded from the V&V system and are instead covered through dedicated foundations, including the Foundation for Further Training of Teachers and Education Support Officers Curaçao (SNOOC) and the Foundation for Maintenance of School Buildings (SOS).
As part of the Dutch-supported Curaçao National Package, OWCS is reviewing the financing system to introduce a new structure for the 2025–2026 school year.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
Curaçao has a centralised education system, with no subnational governments responsible for education funding. All resources are allocated directly by OWCS to educational institutions.
2. Education resources to schools
Targeted Special Education Funding
In 2023, Curaçao passed legislation formally recognising special education as part of the national education system. The law requires a dedicated financing structure to ensure schools receive funds to support students with special needs. This includes resources for specialised staff, customised educational materials, and necessary infrastructure adaptations.
3. Education resources to students and families
No information has been found on OWCS-funded or administered programmes that provide resources directly to disadvantaged students or households.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
School Clothing Allowance
The government provides a school clothing allowance (kleedgeld) to help families cover the cost of school uniforms. Managed by the Ministry of Social Development, Labour, and Welfare (SOAW), the programme targets families with limited financial means. Eligibility requires parents to receive social assistance or meet income criteria, and children must be aged 4–18 and enrolled in a government-subsidised school. Both parent and child must be registered in Curaçao’s Civil Registry. The current rules and eligibility criteria have been in place since the 2009 Welfare Assistance decree.
5. School meal programmes
The government of Curaçao does not fund or operate a school meal programme.
