The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport has launched a Conflict
Resolution Training (CRT) pilot to tackle rising student violence in schools. The project, led by
Division for Educational Innovation (DEI), brings together educators, first-form students and
their parents to build safer and more supportive learning environments.
This training responds to rising levels of student violence including fights, bullying, intimidation,
classroom disruption, and cyberbullying documented in recent UNICEF and Court of
Guardianship reports. The CRT pilot aims to strengthen school safety, improve student well-
being, and equip educators with tools to prevent and manage conflict more effectively.
The first week of training, held at the Sundial School and facilitated by regional youth
development consultant Dwynette D. Eversley, brought together 15 educators from Sundial
School, the St. Maarten Vocational Training School, and the St. Maarten Academy Vocational
Business Campus. The program introduces a system-wide approach, grounded in global best
practices, including Social and Emotional Learning, Nonviolent Communication, Positive Youth
Development, Trauma-Informed Care, and restorative practices, with the goal of promoting
more peaceful and supportive school communities.
Throughout the week, educators discussed the significant challenges they face and agreed that
all school personnel, not only teachers, must play a role in shifting school culture toward peace
and respect. Participants explored the socio-ecological factors influencing youth behavior and
emphasized the importance of stronger parental involvement, consistent policies, and unified
approaches across schools. Key outcomes included a shared Safe Space Charter and agreement
on a standardized student referral system to ensure timely support for students in need.
The CRT is aligned with the national Youth Monitor, which will be used to assess school climate
and track program impact. As the initiative moves into its next phase, the students will help co-
create the Safe Space Charter while developing peer leadership skills through tools such as
mediation logs and peace scorecards.
Week one closed with renewed optimism among educators, who expressed their commitment
to building school environments defined by care, respect, and positive relationships. The long-
term program will continue through 2026 and is supported by a team of consultants with
extensive experience in youth violence prevention across the Caribbean.
As Week Two begins, the focus shifts to direct student involvement and a parent workshop,
ensuring that both learners and families play an active role in building safer, more supportive
school environments. This phase will be led by Caribbean Associates for Life Skills, Mediation
and Management Director, Mr. Marlon Bascombe and Social Impact & Grant Strategy Training
Specialist, Mr. Kwasi Cudjoe, who will guide Form one students through activities designed to
strengthen peer leadership, co-create the Safe Space Charter, and further embed a culture of
peace within the pilot schools. New tools including peace scorecards, mediation logs, and
parent–student pledges will help schools document progress and continuously refine their
approach.
The Division for Educational Innovation is a division within the Ministry of Education, Culture,
Youth and Sport dedicated to advancing educational quality in St. Maarten. DEI designs and
implements projects that strengthen teaching, learning and student wellbeing and focuses on
promoting innovation across the educational system.