WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Social Workers Association (CSWA) has sounded the alarm over a serious shortage of social-pedagogical workers (SPW) at levels 3 and 4, urging the government to take immediate action to address the crisis. 

The shortage is putting heavy pressure on the sector that provides guidance, support, and long-term care in the community. “We receive daily calls from organizations and businesses looking for professionals at these levels, but the reality is that there simply aren’t enough workers available,” the CSWA said in a statement. 

A Structural Problem 

According to the association, this is not a temporary issue but a structural shortage that has been developing over time. Social-pedagogical workers operate across a wide range of organizations and with diverse target groups. 

They work with children in preschool centers and schools, assist people with mental or physical disabilities, and provide care and guidance to the elderly and prison inmates. 

Call for Research and an Action Plan 

The CSWA is urgently calling on the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports and other relevant authorities to commission an up-to-date, independent study on how many SPW level 3 and 4 professionals have graduated in the past five years. The organization also wants an evaluation of the annual labor market demand for these professionals. 

Additionally, the association is requesting a comprehensive action plan to promote the profession among young people. It also stresses the need to inform the labor market about the upcoming name change and curriculum updates to the relevant SPW study program, set to launch in the 2025–2026 school year on Curaçao. 

Open Meeting Planned 

CSWA will soon host an open meeting to conduct a detailed assessment of the current situation. During this gathering, the organization will present recommendations to policymakers, bringing together both active and inactive SPWs, relevant organizations, and government authorities to identify needs, remove barriers, and develop practical short- and long-term solutions. 

“Without clarity and concrete action, we risk an even greater crisis in social care and support services on our island,” the CSWA warned. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the social work profession in Curaçao but emphasized that it needs the support of all relevant stakeholders to succeed.