Ombudsman calls for changes to school sick leave policy

ORANJESTAD – Ombudsman Jurima Bryson has published the report "The Cost of Being Sick," concluding that Aruba's current school sick leave policy should be revised. The investigation found that requiring students to obtain a medical certificate can create financial and practical barriers, particularly when they need to reschedule tests or examinations.

The report also found that schools do not apply the policy consistently, leading to uncertainty about the rules and the consequences of failing to provide a medical certificate. The Ombudsman stressed that children's right to education, equal opportunities and privacy should remain central to any policy.

Recommendations include adopting clearer and more uniform rules, reducing financial barriers, improving communication with parents and students, allowing greater flexibility for individual circumstances and strengthening the protection of medical information. The Ombudsman will monitor how the recommendations are implemented.