Recently, during a press conference, Parliament Member Stephany Sevinger expressed her deep concern about the ongoing challenges faced by Aruban students in the Netherlands. Sevinger stated that although this topic is regularly raised during IPKO meetings, the situation has not improved significantly. She believes it is time for more concrete action and genuine coordination between Aruba and the Netherlands.
“We met with students at The Hague University of Applied Sciences and saw that the same problems keep repeating every year. It’s very unfortunate that after so much time, there’s still no effective solution,” said Sevinger. “The introduction of the citizen service number (BSN) before traveling to the Netherlands was a positive step, but it’s only a small relief in a much more complicated process.”
Sevinger expressed her appreciation for the efforts of Minister of Education Gerlien Croes, who is working closely with the Netherlands to assist the students. She added that the restoration of the Arubahuis represents a major step forward, as this institution used to be one of the main sources of support for Aruban students in the past.
“As parliamentarians, we also have a role to play in this process. It’s not just the government’s task to find solutions; we too can research and propose ideas to help our youth,” Sevinger emphasized.
During her stay in the Netherlands, Sevinger also held a meeting with the Ombudsman (Defensor di Pueblo), who proposed ways to improve cooperation between Aruban departments and Dutch municipalities.
“For example, if a student’s data is already registered with the DIMP, that information could automatically be shared with the municipality where they will live, to avoid a long and complicated administrative process,” she explained.
The parliamentarian also held a constructive dialogue with Mr. Franklin Seute, author of “Living Rich as a Student in the Netherlands”, and Sueanne Lee, the new rector of the University of Aruba. These discussions focused on financial education and preparation for student life abroad.
“Our young people face high living costs and a lack of housing. Imagine a 17-year-old just leaving their parents’ home and suddenly facing a completely new world,” Sevinger concluded. “We have an obligation to build a system that better supports them to succeed.”
Press Release: AVP