ORANJESTAD, Aruba — Aruba Kids are heading into the new school year better prepared thanks to the Rotaract Club of Aruba, which is celebrating the 35th anniversary of its long-running Back2School Project.
For more than three decades, the initiative has supported children and families during the busy back-to-school season. In 2026, the project helped 52 children prepare for the 2026-2027 academic year by providing financial assistance, school supplies, clothing and other essential items.
Of the 52 children supported this year, 16 were fully sponsored by the Rotaract Club of Aruba. The organization covered important school-related expenses and provided the children with backpacks filled with school supplies, uniforms and sneakers.
The remaining children received new backpacks containing essential materials needed to begin the school year prepared and ready to learn.
Community Supports Aruba Kids
The success of the 2026 campaign was made possible through donations from members of the Aruba community.
During the Back2School collection campaign, residents were given two main ways to contribute. They could purchase school supplies directly for the project or make financial donations that would be used to support participating children.
For three consecutive Saturdays, members of the Rotaract Club of Aruba were present at Dyon Center to collect donations and connect with members of the community.
Every backpack, school supply and financial contribution represented a collective investment in the education and future of Aruba Kids.
Rotaract said the strong community response demonstrated what can be achieved when individuals, organizations and businesses work together to support children who may need additional assistance at the beginning of a new school year.
Support Extended to Local Organizations
As part of its broader commitment to community service, the Back2School initiative also made donations to Fundacion Pa Nos Comunidad and Orthopedagogisch Centrum Aruba.
These contributions extended the impact of the campaign beyond the children directly sponsored through the Back2School Project.
The Rotaract Club of Aruba expressed its appreciation to every organization, company and individual who contributed to the success of the 2026 campaign.
For 35 years, the Back2School Project has worked to give children an opportunity to begin school with the supplies and support they need.
The club said the results of this year’s initiative once again demonstrate that every contribution, regardless of size, can make an important difference in the community.
As students return to their classrooms, Rotaract Club of Aruba wished all students and teachers a successful 2026-2027 school year while marking another milestone for a project that has supported generations of Aruba Kids.
