Kiwanis and Red Cross Prepare 100 Children for Back to School

The Rotaract Club of Aruba celebrated the 35th anniversary of its Back2School project, a long-running community initiative dedicated to supporting children and families during the back-to-school season. The program has been a consistent fixture in Aruba's social landscape for over three decades, providing assistance to those in need as the new school year begins. The initiative reflects the club's broader mission of youth-led community service on the island. Reaching the 35-year milestone highlights the sustained commitment of Rotaract members across multiple generations. The anniversary celebration underscores the enduring impact the program has had on Aruban families who benefit from back-to-school support each year.

The Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) and Aruba Ports Authority (APA) co-hosted a special edition of the 'Buki di Pret' program aboard the cruise ship Carnival Horizon in Oranjestad. The event welcomed more than 60 local children between the ages of 8 and 14, giving them a hands-on introduction to the world of cruising. The initiative is part of a recurring educational and community outreach effort designed to connect Aruban youth with the island's tourism and maritime industries. By bringing children aboard an actual cruise ship, organizers aim to inspire future interest in careers related to hospitality, tourism, and port operations. The collaboration between A.T.A. and APA underscores both agencies' commitment to engaging the local community — not just international visitors — as stakeholders in Aruba's tourism economy.

Johnny Croes, a musician and educator who graduated cum laude from Berklee College of Music, is calling for higher quality, greater continuity, and a clearer long-term vision in music education on the island of Aruba. Croes is making a public appeal, arguing that all children on the island deserve access to quality music instruction regardless of background. His advocacy appears rooted in both his professional training and his observations of the current state of music education in Aruban schools. The call highlights concerns about inconsistency and a lack of structured planning in how music is taught across the island. Croes's appeal underscores a broader conversation about the role of arts education in Caribbean school systems and the need for institutional support to sustain it.