Bonaire celebrates today International Children’s Rights Day, an important moment to reflect on every child’s right to a safe, healthy, and opportunity-filled future. The Public Body Bonaire (OLB) actively works to safeguard these rights in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Together with chain partners, OLB is working towards a society where children can develop optimally—physically, socially, emotionally, and digitally.
Concrete steps toward a child-friendly Bonaire
In recent months, important milestones have been achieved to create a safe environment that promotes youth development:
UNICEF Child Friendly Cities Initiative candidate
Bonaire has applied for the international UNICEF program that supports municipalities in making policies and services child-friendly. Commissioner Peter Silberie signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the cooperation agreements on November 3. The OLB youth program manager coordinates the activities. The partnership with UNICEF can contribute to increased youth participation and the establishment of a structural youth council, ensuring their voices are heard.
Swearing-in of the compulsory education officer
On October 23, 2025, Esther Zimmerman was sworn in by the Chief of Police of the Caribbean Netherlands (KPCN) as the compulsory education officer. This appointment contributes to promoting the right to education in Bonaire. Close collaboration with parents, schools, and chain partners such as the Expertise Center for Education and Care helps prevent school dropout and allows children to fully develop their talents. The compulsory education team was strengthened with new staff in the third quarter of 2025.
Chain effort to prevent juvenile delinquency
In June, the Governor’s Cabinet and the Bureau of Commissioners launched a cooperation initiative within the youth chain for Integrated Safety Policy. With a focus on trends in youth crime, plans were made in various working groups and chain meetings. The plans are based on the Barrier Model to prevent criminal careers among youth. They were also reviewed through youth consultations with support from Akseso, the CN Probation Foundation, and the compulsory education officer.
On October 22, 2025, Governor John Soliano, the Scholengemeenschap Bonaire (SGB), and the Caribbean Netherlands Police Corps (KPCN) signed the “Safety in and Around Schools 2025-2029” covenant, which focuses on creating a safe learning environment for all students. The covenant provides opportunities to further strengthen chain cooperation.
The Bo Granitu Pa Boneiru (BGPB) Civic Engagement Program
The BGPB program has enabled successful projects with local partners in sports, arts, culture, and nature. Through these partnerships, youth gained valuable experiences and played an active role in strengthening the community. Youth panel members participated in the first BES Youth Participation Exchange in Sint Maarten in collaboration with UNICEF. All BGPB activities are based on the pillars of encounter, development, and collaboration. The program is made possible through strong cooperation between the BGPB project coordinator, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), and the Civic Engagement program in the Netherlands.
Pedagogical Vision of Bonaire
Adopted by the Island Council in April 2025, Bonaire’s pedagogical vision provides fundamental principles for a safe and opportunity-rich living environment. It emphasizes that children should be raised with love, care, and respect. The vision is a joint commitment to ensure safety both physically and online. Positive interactions and good examples from parents, caregivers, and professionals help children explore themselves and the world around them. This approach aligns with the core values of UNICEF and UNESCO, emphasizing children’s rights, participation, digital safety, and access to reliable information. The right to education in the mother tongue is recognized as essential for cognitive development, identity formation, and cultural connection. Together with parents, caregivers, and chain partners, OLB works towards a pedagogically responsible society where dialogue, knowledge sharing, emotional support, and positive role models contribute to opportunity-rich growth. (Click here for the full text of Bonaire’s Pedagogical Vision 2025 on our website www.bonairegov.com)
OLB, the Directorate of Society & Care, and chain partners remain committed to ensuring that every child in Bonaire is seen, heard, and protected. Every child has the right to this and deserves it.
