ORANJESTAD – During a recent visit to EPB Hato, parliamentarian Eduard Pieters called for urgent investment in vocational education in Aruba, stressing that practical education can no longer be neglected.
According to Pieters, Aruba cannot continue discussing economic growth while practical schools such as EPB continue facing deteriorating infrastructure and limited resources.
The parliamentarian expressed serious concern about the condition of the school buildings, which are more than 30 years old. He pointed to leaking roofs and outdated infrastructure that continue creating high maintenance costs.
Pieters praised the teachers and staff for continuing their work despite the difficult circumstances, describing their efforts as a “miracle.”
PPA criticized the treatment of vocational education as a second-class sector, despite Aruba’s growing need for chefs, technicians, artisans, and other skilled professionals.
The party argued that both EPB and EPI require stronger support, modernization, and movement on the vocational education law.
According to Pieters, a possible investment of 7 to 8 million florins should not be viewed as an expense, but rather as an investment in Aruba’s future and human capital.
He concluded by stating that the government must stop relying on temporary solutions and begin making serious long-term investments in practical education.
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