PHILIPSBURG – For many students or graduates of the VSBO/ PSVE – PBL, PKL and TKL secondary school systems on the island, the question of ‘What is next?’ after their education, often poses a challenge. Student Support Services Division (SSSD) of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport is aiming to show these students that there are many study/educational opportunities for them with the workshop entitled “My PBL, PKL and TKL Education and Beyond.”
This free workshop will be held on October 4, 2018 at SSSD’s office from 5:15 PM to 6:45 PM. SSSD’s office is located in the Amigo Building, across from the Police Station next to the Windward Island Bank (WIB) in Philipsburg. This workshop is open to students in the last two years of the PBL, PKL AND TKL or recent graduates.
There are ways and means for these VSBO PBL, PKL and TKL graduates to continue their studies on St. Maarten, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, The Netherlands or Canada, if they wish. All these different opportunities may have specific requirements and the graduates should be aware of these requirements.
According to SSSD officials, some of the transitions from one educational system to another may not be straightforward but the possibility is often there and it is usually up to the graduate to take advantage of what is there, while applying themselves.
“Some students complain that on St. Maarten the possibilities of continuing their studies are limited but they don’t realize that they have to apply themselves and be serious about their studies whether pursuing their studies locally or off island.
The “My PBL, PKL and TKL Education and Beyond” workshop will highlight both opportunities to study in English as well as in Dutch. Attendants will also be explained some of the technicalities associated with moving from vocational to academic education as well as moving off island to study.
Students are encouraged to be on time and to register for the workshop since space is limited. They are also urged to bring their own writing utensils and come prepared to receive the information being presented. If parents or students have any questions on this workshop, they can contact the Student Support Services Division at telephone 543-1235 for more information.
The Student Support Services Division (SSSD) provides services to students referred by the schools such as psychological services, counseling services, social work services, educational diagnostic services, speech language pathology services. SSSD also provides general services such as career services, parent sessions and crisis response.
