Education is a vibrant catalyst for building strong, thriving communities. It opens doors to opportunities, nurtures talent, sparks creativity, and drives progress. By investing in the education of its people, Sint Maarten is laying the foundation for a brighter future—one where students and the entire island can grow, prosper, and succeed. Through education, bonds can be strengthened, potential unlocked, and pathways to innovation, resilience, and well-being for all can be created.
The Fostering Resilient Learning Project aims to rebuild critical educational spaces and improve the resilience of schools and the overall educational system in Sint Maarten. The project focuses on reconstructing two schools and the library, enhancing digital infrastructure, and creating safe and inclusive learning environments.
- Rebuild Sister Marie Laurence Primary School, Charles Leopold Bell Primary School, and the Sint Maarten Library.
- Strengthen educational infrastructure to withstand hurricane-force winds.
- Improve accessibility, focusing on an inclusive learning environment.
- Support the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (MECYS) with new digital management systems
The project is fully funded by the Sint Maarten Recovery and Reconstruction Trust Fund, which is financed by the Government of the Netherlands, and managed by the World Bank.
The NRPB is set to implement The Fostering Resilient Learning Project (FRLP) on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten with the demolition of Sister Marie Laurence School which is estimated to take 3 months. Demolition of Charles Leopold Bell School and Sint Maarten Library will follow each lasting 2 months.
Positive outcomes of the project include new schools where students will be able to return to school in their own neighborhood. Similarly, a new library building will reinstate full access to various learning and cultural services to the entire Sint Maarten community. The beautification of the neighborhoods as new modernized facilities will replace older damaged structures is expected to be an additional benefit of the project. People living near the development sites should anticipate noise pollution, dust, and vibrations during the demolition of the schools and old library. There may be disruption to traffic although a Traffic Management Plan will be implemented to minimize disruptions during the project.
The contractor will handle all construction-related concerns. Waste from the demolition will be managed carefully, with all materials properly separated and disposed of at the landfill. If residents notice structural issues like cracks in their homes, they should document them and contact the NRPB via email at [email protected]. Alternatively, a complaint form can be submitted through the NRPB’s Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM). More information about the GRM can be found here.
Fostering Resilient Learning Project (FRLP): Environmental and Social Commitment
To guarantee responsible implementation, the project follows a detailed Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), which outlines measures to manage environmental and social impacts.
Key Aspects of the Plan:
- Environmental Protection: All construction activities will follow strict guidelines to minimize waste, manage hazardous materials like asbestos, and reduce air pollution.
- Community Engagement: The NRPB will ensure regular communication with the public and stakeholders, keeping them informed and providing a grievance mechanism for concerns.
- Social Safeguards: This project emphasizes safety and health for both workers and the community, integrating fire/life safety standards.
- Cultural Heritage: In areas with historical significance, special care will be taken to preserve cultural landmarks, such as sections of the Charles Leopold Bell School.
The Environmental and Social Commitment Plan can be found below