Philipsburg, Sint Maarten – As part of the activities commemorating Children’s Rights Month, the Department of Youth, within the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (MECYS), is pleased to announce a series of capacity-building training sessions aimed at strengthening the knowledge, skills and professional practices of individuals and organizations working with children and young people on Sint Maarten.
The series will kick off on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, with a training session specifically targeting youth-serving non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community schools and afterschool programs, entitled “Understanding and Applying the UNCRC in Youth-Serving Organizations.”
The training aims to enhance participants’ understanding of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and equip teachers, youth leaders and other professionals working with children with practical knowledge and tools to incorporate children’s rights and responsibilities into their daily programs, activities and interactions with young people.
The training will conclude with a follow-up session on Monday, November 23, 2026, during which certificates of participation will be presented to participants who successfully complete both sessions. Both sessions will take place at the Government Administration Building.
This initiative forms part of the Department of Youth’s broader efforts to commemorate Children’s Rights Month, highlighting the importance of promoting and safeguarding children’s rights and well-being and encouraging collective responsibility for creating environments in which children can grow, develop and thrive.
Through this capacity-building series, the Department of Youth seeks to foster a culture in which children’s rights are not only understood but actively incorporated into the everyday practices of organizations and professionals entrusted with the care, education and development of children.
The capacity-building training series will extend into 2027, providing additional learning opportunities for other youth-serving stakeholders across Sint Maarten. Further information on upcoming training sessions will be communicated by the Department of Youth.
