WILLEMSTAD – The teachers’ union DOEN has expressed satisfaction with the government’s commitment to introduce a structural and sustainable plan this school year to address extreme heat in classrooms. The union emphasized that this breakthrough comes after years of campaigning, including protests and symbolic “thermometer actions” in classrooms since 2023, according to a press release.

During recent talks with the government, it was agreed that an inventory will be made to determine which classrooms are already equipped with air conditioning and where units are still missing. A long-term plan will also be developed to ensure cooling is eventually available in all classrooms.

In addition, the government will explore complementary measures to make school environments more sustainable and environmentally friendly. These include planting trees for natural shading and avoiding black asphalt in schoolyards, which absorbs heat.

According to DOEN, no action would have been taken to improve overheated classrooms without the union’s continued pressure. The board congratulated its members on what it called a “victory for education” and reaffirmed its ambition to push for further improvements in Curaçao’s school system.