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What’s in a piece of paper? Hope. Recovery.

When urged to excel, finish school, graduate successfully with a framed
diploma on the wall, I remember asking, what’s in the piece of paper, that’s so
important?!

While debating the merit of school, I did what I was told, finished school and
graduated successful. I never framed the diploma, but it delivered all that it was
said to deliver, career opportunities and personal growth.

This week the International School of Aruba together with the Ministry of
Education announce a GED program, starting in August 2017. The launch of
the GED, General Educational Development, delivers hope for those whose
education was interrupted, who are now adults in need of a diploma. The GED
offers recovery providing candidates demonstrate competency in four areas:
English, Math, Science and History. Plan B is also available in the form of
English Proficiency classes, so candidates with limited English skills can work
on that challenge, prior to enrollment. Applications for the new much-needed
program will be reviewed starting April 1st, 2017.

Following a successful information night for the GED Program at the
International School of Aruba last week, headmaster Dennis Willeford reports
he already has about 75 candidates identified. That’s terrific news.

“We have been searching for alternatives for students who have gone
through traditional education pathways, maybe even tried second
chance education, but still come up short,” says the Minister of Education, “As
you know our local Dutch system is not for everyone. So creating diversity, is
the key for more successful graduations,” she adds.
As it turned out, the ISA approached the Ministry, with plans of offering GED,
and consequently received the Ministry’s enthusiastic support for the project. “