131's Youth Council Visits Aruba's Department of Social Affairs

Erwin Lopez, the principal of EPB Hato elementary school in Aruba, has expressed strong satisfaction and gratitude over a significant positive transformation the school has experienced in recent years. The most notable improvement highlighted is the elimination of fighting among students, creating a safer and more welcoming campus atmosphere. Lopez credited the changes to collective efforts within the school community, reflecting a broader shift in school culture. The development is seen as a meaningful milestone for the institution, which serves a significant portion of Aruba's young student population. A fight-free environment not only benefits student well-being but also supports better academic focus and staff morale. The school's progress stands as an encouraging example for other institutions on the island seeking to improve their social climate.

The University of Aruba (UA) recently hosted its first-ever 'Master's Table' — an evening event designed to welcome newly enrolled master's degree students to the institution. The gathering focused on fostering connection, building community, and creating a sense of belonging among graduate students. The event marks a deliberate effort by UA to support the social and academic integration of students pursuing advanced degrees. By bringing master's students together in an informal setting, the university aims to strengthen peer networks that can support academic success. The initiative reflects a growing emphasis at UA on student experience beyond the classroom, particularly at the graduate level.

Author Artwell Cain donated two copies of his book 'St. Eustatius: Restoring Our Ties' to the public library in Aruba. The book focuses on St. Eustatius, a small Dutch Caribbean island with deep historical ties to the wider region. Cain personally handed over the copies, signaling an effort to make the work accessible to Aruban readers and researchers. The title suggests the book explores themes of reconnection — cultural, historical, or political — between St. Eustatius and its Caribbean neighbors. The donation strengthens the library's collection of Caribbean-focused literature and regional history. St. Eustatius, known historically as 'The Golden Rock,' played a significant role in Atlantic trade and Caribbean history, making such works valuable for regional education. The gesture reflects ongoing cultural exchange among the islands of the Dutch Caribbean.