Ninth edition of The National Education Congress Caribbean expands in 2026 with first Management Conference Caribbean
At the end of October, Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire will once again focus on education, development, and networking. From October 26 to 29, 2026, the ninth edition of The National Education Congress Caribbean will take place. New this year is the Management Conference Caribbean, specially developed for leaders, board members, and other professionals who shape the direction of education and childcare. The congress will travel across three islands: Monday, October 26 in Aruba; Tuesday, October 27 and Wednesday, October 28 in Curaçao; and Thursday, October 29 in Bonaire.
BrainPower: Investing in the Power to Grow
The central theme for 2026 is ‘BrainPower – A strong foundation for growth and development’. BrainPower is not just about intelligence. It is specifically about cognitive, emotional, and social development, as well as education that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and adaptability.
This addresses a fundamental question for every education professional: what do children and young people need today to stand strong in tomorrow’s world? During the congress, education professionals, pedagogical workers, experts, and leaders will gather around current topics such as learning and the brain, behavior, language, digital literacy, AI, citizenship, numeracy, emotional intelligence, arts and culture, and leadership. The program combines international expertise with knowledge and experience from the Caribbean educational practice.
Keynote Speaker Willie Spears (USA) Visits the ABC Islands
One of the special guests this year is American keynote speaker Willie Spears. He is an educator, coach, author, and highly sought-after speaker known for his energetic and inspiring presentation style.
In addition to the keynote, the program features numerous practical sessions and workshops. Contributors to the program include Lianne ter Steeg, Pepijn Dousi, Wilga Zibel, Mike Janssen, Mark Blankwater, Carolina Bongers, Amber Stam, Marieke Visser, Marjan Klein, Iris van Vuuren, Helena Mulder, and Roos van Goor, alongside several local experts.
The core strength lies in practical application: gathering inspiration is important, but participants should primarily take home actionable ideas, insights, and skills to implement in their own classrooms, childcare organizations, or schools.
Premiere: Management Conference Caribbean
The 2026 edition also marks an important premiere. For the first time, the Management Conference Caribbean will be held prior to the main education congress. This morning conference is designed exclusively for executive leaders, including school directors, assistant directors, board members, management team members, staff officers, and leaders in childcare. The content focuses on leadership, educational quality, school development, and how leaders can create room for growth and innovation.
Lianne ter Steeg will deliver the masterclass ‘The school leader as a lever for educational quality’, while Pepijn Dousi will address motivational leadership in school development. In Aruba and Curaçao, organizational creativity will also be featured on the agenda. In Bonaire, the program takes on a unique focus with Prince Heyliger and the session ‘Connecting Leadership – Stronger Together in Bonaire’. Interest in this new initiative is high.
From Congress Day to Continuous Development
A key highlight of the 2026 edition is that professional development does not have to end when the final workshop concludes. Attendees of both the HNOCC and the Management Conference will receive free access to the Caribbean Academy, bridging the gap between the in-person event and continued online professional growth.
This reflects the growth of the congress over the past years. What began nine years ago in Aruba has evolved into a staple meeting point for education and childcare professionals across the ABC islands.
Four Days, Three Islands, One Shared Ambition
On October 26, Colegio Arubano in Aruba will host the congress. On October 27 and 28, HNOCC moves to Curaçao, concluding on October 29 in Bonaire. Different islands, different educational contexts, but one shared ambition: empowering the professionals who build the future of children and youth every single day.
Because a strong future doesn’t start tomorrow. It starts today, with the people who challenge children daily to discover, learn, and grow.