Ombudsman to conclude First School Ombudsman Project with Information Evening at the University of St. Martin (USM).

November 25, 2018

PHILIPSBURG:— The Bureau of the Ombudsman embarked in May 2018 on a project geared towards the Academic High schools on St. Maarten. The project entitled ‘The Best School Ombudsman’, involves high school students in the pre-exam/exam classes of the Milton Peters College – HAVO/VWO, St. Dominic High School, Methodist Agogic Center (MAC – CSE) and the St. Maarten Academy (Academic) in the role of the Ombudsman. The goal of the project is to promote awareness of the role of the Ombudsman.

The students, selected by their respective schools went through several training sessions during May – June 2018 to prepare them for their role. From August to November 2018, the students conducted consultation sessions at their respective schools which was only open to students, teachers, and parents of each participating school. While the students were able to accept concerns, the actual complaints have been referred to Bureau Ombudsman.

The Bureau is pleased with the enthusiasm and cooperation of the schools and chosen students (School Ombudsmen). The culmination of the project will be on 5 December 2018 with presentations given by the students during the Ombudsman Information Evening to be held at the University of St. Martin from 7:00 to 9:15 PM. The general public is also invited to attend.
The Bureau Ombudsman wishes all participating students and schools much success as they prepare for their presentations on their role as School Ombudsmen, and expresses many thanks to the Management of the schools for their support of the project.