ORANJESTAD, Aruba — A Centro di Bario Noord Donation provided school uniforms and backpacks to 54 children as part of a community initiative connected to World Humanitarian Day.
Centro di Bario Noord, known as CBN, organised the assistance for children attending schools in the Noord district, continuing a series of community-support activities ahead of the new academic year.
The action followed an earlier collaboration with Rode Kruis Aruba that distributed reusable clothing and possible school uniforms to families preparing for the start of classes.
Nine Schools Benefit From Donation
The latest initiative reached children attending five basic schools and four pre-primary schools in Noord.
A total of 54 children received assistance.
CBN said the project was intended to demonstrate the importance of solidarity, cooperation and mutual support, particularly when helping children access the materials they need for school.
The organisation described the donation as more than simply providing supplies, saying it represented a commitment to the wellbeing and development of children in the Noord community.
Hilton Contribution Helped Fund Uniforms
The school uniforms were made possible through support connected to Hilton.
According to CBN, Hilton donated mattresses, and proceeds generated through that contribution allowed the community centre to purchase the necessary school uniforms for participating children.
The announcement did not disclose the number or value of the mattresses, the amount raised or the number of uniforms purchased.
CBN nevertheless credited the contribution as an important part of making the initiative possible.
Anonymous Donor Provides 30 School Bags
An additional community member, who requested anonymity, donated school bags containing supplies for 30 children.
The backpacks provided students with practical materials they could use as they returned to school.
The report did not provide a complete inventory of the contents of each bag.
Together with the uniforms, the donation aimed to reduce some of the back-to-school costs facing participating families.
Initiative Connected to World Humanitarian Day
The action was organised in connection with World Humanitarian Day, observed annually on August 19.
The United Nations established the international observance to recognise humanitarian workers and highlight the importance of helping people affected by crises and hardship.
In 2026, the UN renewed its #ActForHumanity message, calling for greater protection of humanitarian workers and civilians and stronger support for humanitarian action worldwide.
CBN used the occasion to emphasise that humanitarian action can also begin at the neighbourhood level through practical assistance to children and families.
Earlier Clothing Initiative Also Supported Families
The donation followed two days of reusable-clothing distribution organised by Centro di Bario Noord in partnership with Rode Kruis Aruba.
That initiative took place on August 13 and 14 and offered clothing in good condition, including possible school uniforms, to families preparing for the new school year.
Together, the activities reflect an effort to reuse available resources while reducing expenses for households that may need additional support.
Community Cooperation Makes Project Possible
Ligia Croes Roza, programme leader at Centro di Bario Noord, said cooperation among individuals, organisations and the private sector can create meaningful opportunities for children.
She said the initiative demonstrates how different parts of the community can combine their resources to provide concrete assistance.
CBN thanked everyone who contributed to the project and emphasised that both large and small donations can make a difference when coordinated toward a shared purpose.
Support Extends Beyond Material Donations
School uniforms and backpacks provide immediate practical assistance, but CBN said the wider objective is to strengthen children and families within the community.
Having the necessary school materials can help children begin the academic year better prepared while reducing financial pressure on parents or guardians.
The organisation also hopes such initiatives encourage more residents and businesses to become involved in projects supporting education and youth development.
Solidarity Starts Within the Community
The Centro di Bario Noord Donation demonstrated how World Humanitarian Day can be recognised through local action.
By helping 54 children across nine schools, CBN, Hilton, an anonymous donor and other supporters converted the broader message of solidarity into practical assistance for families in Noord.
Centro di Bario Noord said it will continue encouraging cooperation among residents, organisations and businesses to strengthen the community and create better opportunities for Aruba’s younger generation.
