According to Monique Giel-Labad, in her recent interview with Matutino Diario, addressing youth-related social issues in Aruba has become far more complex than it was in the past.
She explained that when students reach their final school years, it becomes increasingly difficult to guide them on topics such as sexuality and mental health, since many are already sexually active and often feel hopeless about their personal situations.
“This is where mental health becomes crucial,” Monique said, noting that there have been cases of young people expressing suicidal thoughts. “When we give talks in schools, we don’t just speak — we observe the class closely. From their behavior, we can often identify which students might be struggling or at risk. When that happens, I immediately refer the case to the teacher for follow-up support.”
She added that most teachers are already prepared and well-informed to handle such sensitive cases, and when they need additional information, they do not hesitate to seek guidance. After each session, Monique prepares a detailed report with conclusions and recommendations for educators to help them focus on the areas that require more attention.
Monique pointed out that fifteen years ago, social problems were mostly financial, but today, the situation has changed drastically. Modern social challenges now include a variety of psychological, emotional, and behavioral factors, making life much more complicated for young people in Aruba.
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