SINT MAARTEN (CUL DE SAC) - The Foundation for Academic and Vocational Education (FAVE) officially opened the 2026–2027 academic year on Thursday, August 13, bringing staff together under the theme “The Power of Us!” and reinforcing the importance of unity, collaboration, well-being and shared responsibility in advancing education.
The opening session, held at the Belair Community Center in Cay Hill, brought together staff from across the FAVE organization as they prepared for another year of serving the students and families of St. Maarten.
The programme began with registration and a light breakfast, followed by an opening prayer led by Gillian Thomas and the St. Maarten Song led by Dieanna Webster. Thomas also served as Master of Ceremonies for the day's programme.
FAVE Board President Mr. Elroy Hughes delivered the welcome remarks, officially welcoming staff to the new academic year and reinforcing the importance of working collectively as FAVE begins another year of educating and supporting the young people of St. Maarten.
Executive Director drs. Tallulah Baly followed with remarks that gave deeper meaning to the year's theme, reminding employees that FAVE's strength lies in the collective contributions of everyone within the organization, regardless of position or responsibility.
Drawing on St. Maarten's history of resilience, Baly recalled how the island has repeatedly recovered from adversity through people working together. She connected that spirit of collective action to the theme for the academic year, declaring, “The power was never sitting in the I. It was always waiting in the Power of Us.”
Baly also emphasized the importance of staff well-being and mutual support. She encouraged employees to protect their health, energy and peace while intentionally looking out for their colleagues. Her message challenged staff to recognize that sustaining the work of education requires both personal responsibility and a willingness to support one another.
One of the most poignant illustrations in Baly's remarks came from FAVE's own students. She pointed to a mural created by students under the guidance of Mrs. Silvia Carty-Rozema, Visual Arts Teacher. Created by 20 different hands, the mural features the word “POWERFUL” prominently, surrounded by words including loved, imagination, and healed.
“Twenty paintbrushes. One picture none of them could have made alone,” Baly said. “That mural is us. That has always been the Power of Us.”
Baly also acknowledged that the year ahead would bring challenges, but stressed that no member of the FAVE family should have to face them alone. “We have never once needed a hero. We have only ever needed each other,” she said.
The programme also provided an opportunity to welcome new members of the organization. Ms. Adlaide Joseph of Human Resources introduced and welcomed the new staff members. She also introduced Ms. Caline Celestin in her new role as Acting CAPE Coordinator, following her transition from Vice Principal of the Vocational Business Campus (VBC).
Building relationships and strengthening teamwork were also central to the day's programme. Mrs. Juliana Shipley-Hodge facilitated an engaging team-building session that encouraged staff to communicate, problem-solve and work together.
Participants worked in teams to complete jigsaw puzzles and cup-stacking challenges. They also took part in the Hula Hoop Pass Challenge, which required team members to pass a hula hoop around a connected group without breaking hand contact. The activities encouraged coordination, patience, communication and cooperation while providing an energetic and interactive start to the new academic year.
FAVE Board Vice-President Mrs. Esmeralda Rommy delivered the closing remarks, bringing the official programme to an end.
The opening of the 2026–2027 academic year comes as FAVE moves forward from the celebration of its 50th anniversary and into the next chapter of its service to education in St. Maarten. Building on five decades of educational service, the Foundation enters the new year with a renewed emphasis on its people, their collective strength and the responsibility they share for the students entrusted to their care.
With “The Power of Us!” as its theme, FAVE begins the 2026–2027 academic year focused on working together to strengthen the organization, support its staff and create meaningful opportunities for the students entrusted to our care, while contributing to the continued growth and development of the wider St. Maarten community.
Team building activities.
