There’s no greater joy for a parent than watching their child turn their life around—and that’s exactly what many families in Aruba are celebrating after their children completed the first phase of the Social Formation Program (Formacion Social).
The program, initiated under former Prime Minister Mike Eman, is aimed at helping youth who have strayed from the right path due to difficult environments and negative influences. Now, those same youth are walking away with discipline, values, and a new sense of purpose.
One proud mother shared how the program brought positive transformation to her son. “He used to be lost, but now he’s respectful and goal-oriented,” she said. She described the experience as “tough love”—painful yet necessary—and thanked the program for redirecting her son’s life.
Participant Kock reflected on his own journey: “At first, I thought this was going to be bad, but with focus and a mindset shift, I changed. I made my mother proud, and now I see how important discipline is.”
Another participant, Camaro, once dropped out of school and got involved in troubling situations. But thanks to his mother’s persistence and the support of the program, he now has a new goal—to finish school and begin working.
Maduro, another graduate, joined the program not out of trouble, but opportunity. “SVT taught me about limits, teamwork, and personal growth,” he said. Inspired by the discipline and structure, his main goal is to join the Aruban military (Arumil) and serve his country.
Other youth, like Perez, also credit the program for helping them find purpose. “Discipline and respect were key lessons,” he said proudly. “Without SVT, I wouldn’t be who I am today.”
The Social Formation Program continues to change lives—one young person at a time—by offering them tools, guidance, and opportunities to build a better future for themselves and their communities.
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