WILLEMSTAD – The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports has introduced an official heat plan designed to protect students and teachers from Curaçao’s extreme temperatures while safeguarding the quality of education. 

The plan, which will be in effect during the hottest months of August, September, and October, allows schools to choose between two adjusted schedules. Under the first option, all schools—primary and secondary—will finish no later than 12:30 p.m., minimizing disruption for parents and childcare services. The second option shortens the school day further, with primary schools ending at noon and secondary schools at 12:30 p.m. While this approach eases afternoon heat exposure, it could create logistical and financial challenges for families. 

Regardless of the model chosen, schools will prioritize core subjects requiring greater concentration in the morning hours, reducing the impact of shortened days on learning progress. 

Extra measures for comfort and safety 
To improve classroom conditions, the ministry has mandated additional fans and guaranteed access to drinking water. Schools are permitted to relax dress codes so students can wear lighter clothing. Physical education lessons will be adapted to the heat, and outdoor activities will be restricted. 

There will also be extra attention for students with chronic health conditions, while teachers are encouraged to apply flexibility in managing lesson plans. 

Preparing for the future 
The heat plan will be implemented in two phases. The current Phase 1 focuses on organizational and short-term solutions such as timetable adjustments. Phase 2 will introduce long-term, structural changes, including sustainable improvements to school buildings, ventilation systems, and classroom design. The ministry emphasized that collaboration with technical experts will be key to ensuring schools are better equipped for a warming climate. 

With these measures, the ministry hopes to balance students’ health and safety with the need to maintain continuous education during Curaçao’s hottest months.