Main Focus on the Situation and Well-being of Aruba’s Students
During his official visit to the Netherlands, Member of Parliament Carlos Bermudez participated in several important meetings, including one with the Dutch Ombudsman, Mrs. Reinier van Zutphen. This meeting, which took place on the last day of his visit, was considered by Bermudez as one of the most important meetings during his stay.
During the meeting, there was an informative presentation focused primarily on the situation and well-being of Aruba’s students who go to the Netherlands to continue their studies. One of the key points discussed was the BSN-number (civil registration number), which, starting from April 2024, will be available to students before their departure to the Netherlands. This is a positive step in facilitating the integration process.
Another concerning issue discussed was the lack of adequate housing. According to Bermudez, this has been a serious problem for many years. Students who manage to find student accommodation only have it for one year, after which they are forced to find a new place to live, which creates stress and negatively affects their focus on studies.
Basic healthcare and medical insurance were also part of the discussion. Bermudez highlighted that, unlike Dutch students, Aruban students do not automatically receive healthcare, even though they are part of the same Kingdom. “This is a point I raised in the Eerste Kamer. The Dutch somehow forget that Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten are also part of the Kingdom. Because we are far, they tend to forget about us. I find this lack of family feeling from the Dutch quite concerning,” Bermudez expressed with concern.
One of the most alarming points raised during the presentation was the number of psychological issues among Aruban students in the Netherlands. The figures are alarming, and recommendations were made for Aruba to address this issue. Bermudez emphasized that the Government of Aruba must take this situation seriously and prioritize the mental well-being of Aruban students in the Netherlands.
The issue of student loans through DUO or Aruba was also a concern. In the Netherlands, the system automatically assesses what a Dutch student can pay after graduation. In Aruba, many times the students are charged without an evaluation to determine if they can afford to pay the amount, which creates unnecessary financial burdens.
The issue of Parkietenbos, particularly regarding waste management, including medical waste containers, was also discussed in the meeting. According to Bermudez, Aruba has not yet found a concrete and lasting solution for this problem.
In conclusion, Member of Parliament Bermudez expressed that the meeting with Ombudsman van Zutphen went very well. He is pleased that the Dutch Ombudsman is willing to collaborate with Aruba’s Ombudsman, Mrs. Jurima Bryson, and is committed to addressing the different points raised during the meeting.
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