ORANJESTAD, Aruba — Aruba employment support for people receiving financial assistance remains essential to helping more residents return to the labour market, according to Minister Mervin Wyatt-Ras.
The minister made the comments during the kickoff of the third edition of the “In The Picture” program, which provides coaching, practical guidance and employment preparation to clients receiving social assistance.
Wyatt-Ras said people living on financial assistance should be given the tools and professional support necessary to improve their circumstances and successfully re-enter the workforce.
The initiative receives support from CEDE Aruba, the Department of Social Affairs, Departamento di Progreso Laboral (DPL) and several professionals working with participants.
Minister Highlights Challenges Facing Welfare Clients
Wyatt-Ras said people receiving social assistance are sometimes criticized without consideration for the circumstances affecting their lives.
According to the minister, today’s workers can face challenges that differ significantly from those experienced by earlier generations.
Balancing employment with family responsibilities can be especially difficult for parents, making services such as childcare an important part of creating realistic pathways back into employment.
Wyatt-Ras said professional guidance provided through initiatives such as In The Picture can help participants manage these challenges while preparing themselves for new opportunities.
Strengthening Aruba employment support, he said, requires understanding the personal circumstances that may prevent someone from immediately entering or remaining in the workforce.
Previous Participants Achieved Employment Success
The minister also highlighted results from the second edition of the program.
Of 32 participants, 12 secured employment after taking part in the initiative, representing 37.5 percent of the group.
Wyatt-Ras described the result as a strong indication that the program is producing positive outcomes and expressed hope that the employment percentage will continue to increase.
He said personal motivation remains important.
When individuals remain committed to improving their situation and work toward their goals, their progress can also have a positive influence on their children and other family members.
Successful participants can become examples for others facing similar circumstances.
Older Job Seekers Can Face Additional Barriers
Wyatt-Ras acknowledged that returning to the labour market can be more challenging for certain groups, particularly older workers.
People aged 50 and above may encounter difficulties because some employers prefer hiring younger applicants.
The minister said work is being done with DPL to encourage employers to remain more open-minded when considering potential workers from different age groups and backgrounds.
He also encouraged employers to show patience and understanding.
Not every employee has the same circumstances, and some may be dealing with difficult situations at home while trying to rebuild stability in their professional lives.
According to Wyatt-Ras, employers can play an important role by combining workplace expectations with reasonable tolerance and support.
Cooperation Important for Employment Progress
The minister congratulated Jalken Antonia of Fundacion Ja Ik Aruba for continuing to develop the In The Picture initiative and motivating participants.
He also thanked the professionals and stakeholders who contribute their time and expertise to the project.
Wyatt-Ras said continued cooperation between government departments, nonprofit organizations, professionals and employers will be important in strengthening Aruba employment support over the long term.
Rather than viewing people receiving assistance only through the lens of their current financial situation, the program seeks to provide opportunities for them to develop confidence, workplace skills and greater independence.
The minister expressed hope that stakeholders will continue supporting initiatives that help residents overcome employment barriers and participate more actively in Aruba’s labour market.
By combining coaching, professional guidance, childcare considerations and cooperation with employers, Aruba employment support programs can provide residents with more realistic opportunities to move from financial assistance toward sustainable employment.
