- 23 school drill exercises held to test emergency responses
- Distress Tools Manual distributed online to school care teams
- Positive School Connections Program Curriculum piloted in four schools
- Training on psychosocial support and well-being for care teams and teachers
Youth at the Center of Change
Sint Maarten’s youth hold incredible potential to spark positive social, environmental, and cultural impacts. A key priority of the Child Resilience and Protection Project was boosting youth participation by giving young people a seat at the table and empowering them to drive change.
The project, which closed in December 2024, aimed to strengthen the child protection system, nurture children’s and adolescents’ well-being, and prepare schools for future disasters. UNICEF the Netherlands managed the project in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (MECYS).
“The Child Resilience and Protection Project is about more than just recovery; it’s about empowering youth to shape a safer, more resilient future,” says Sacha Bökkerink, Programmes and Public Affairs Director of UNICEF the Netherlands. “However, this project is only successful due to the groundwork laid and continued work by our government partners, such as the Department of Youth.”
"The Department of Youth recognizes that youth have unique perspectives that can inform and improve initiatives addressing their needs and challenges. Our goal is to increase youth voices in policy and program development within Government and beyond."
— Soraya Agard-Lake, Head, Department of Youth, and government focal point for the Child Resilience and Protection Project
Leaders, Thinkers, Changemakers
The Youth Roundtable Conference, organized by the Department of Youth, gave young people a powerful platform to voice concerns on issues like mental health, education, youth crime, and the need for more youth-focused events. The 2022 edition featured all-youth panels and live-streamed discussions that directly influenced project programming.
To further amplify young voices, the Sint Maarten Youth Parliament hosted a panel where youth openly discussed mental health challenges and the need for supportive environments. At the “Empowering Youth Leaders” event spearheaded by the St. Maarten South Leo Club, young people showcased talents in dance, makeup artistry, and visual arts.
A need for more creative outlets emerged from youth consultations. One opportunity was “What If I Told You,” a short film written by a local teacher and performed by students aged 6–14. The film explores how childhood experiences shape behavior and highlights the importance of supportive adults.
The Child Resilience and Protection Project supported the film’s production, providing students with hands-on learning in scriptwriting, acting, and editing. At the film’s premiere on Caribbean Youth Day, dignitaries, teachers, and families watched the movie in theaters, which sparked applause and meaningful dialogue.
The Rights and Role of Youth
Another critical aspect of the project’s work was educating young people about their rights. Ahead of World Children’s Day, the Department of Youth and UNICEF the Netherlands hosted children’s rights presentations for 500 fifth- and sixth-grade students across Sint Maarten. Cultural performances, youth-led discussions, and the film “What If I Told You” were featured.
Youth consultations also helped shape the Positive Parenting Support Programme and Positive School Connections Programme, which focuses on social-emotional learning and conflict resolution. A pilot was launched in four schools. Also, Youth Peace Leaders have promoted non-violent communication and peer support within their schools.
With the Child Resilience and Protection Project now completed, it leaves a legacy of better educated, engaged, and empowered youth. The Department of Youth remains committed to ensuring young voices continue to be heard and valued—shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for Sint Maarten!