Aruba school assistance is being increased as part of a broader package of social-support measures aimed at helping vulnerable families manage education expenses and the rising cost of living.
Minister of Social Affairs Mervin Wyatt-Ras announced the measures alongside Prime Minister Mike Eman during a press conference on Friday.
The government said the increases form part of its effort to strengthen Aruba’s social safety net and improve purchasing power for households that need additional support.
One of the announced changes is an AWG 150 increase in basic social assistance, raising the monthly amount from AWG 450 to AWG 600.
Monthly school assistance will also increase by AWG 300, reaching AWG 1,100 per month for eligible families with children between the ages of 3 and 24 who are enrolled in full-time education.
The contribution toward school fees will increase from AWG 120 to AWG 250 per child.
Financial support for school supplies will also rise from AWG 250 to AWG 300 per child, with a maximum contribution of AWG 1,000 per family.
Wyatt-Ras said the measures reflect the government’s emphasis on human dignity, equal opportunity and social inclusion.
“We want every child to have the opportunity to continue their education without the family’s financial situation becoming an obstacle,” the minister said.
He noted that expenses such as school uniforms, educational materials, transportation and school fees can create significant financial pressure for parents.
According to Wyatt-Ras, the additional support is intended to give vulnerable households more room in their budgets to cover these essential expenses.
The minister said the increases are especially important at a time when the cost of living continues to place pressure on household finances.
The government also recently increased disability assistance by AWG 100 per month.
Wyatt-Ras said work is continuing on several legal reforms intended to modernize Aruba’s social-support system.
These include revisions to the Social Assistance Law and Disability Assistance Law, as well as a new legal framework to provide structural support for families with children who have disabilities.
The proposed framework is currently being reviewed by the Advisory Council.
Wyatt-Ras said the broader objective is to strengthen communities while improving opportunities for all residents.
“Every family we are able to help represents an investment in our community,” he said.
“When someone cannot meet their basic needs, the impact is not limited to one household. The consequences are felt throughout the community.”
The minister thanked Social Affairs Ministry employees and other public officials who helped prepare and implement the measures.
The government said the expanded Aruba school assistance and other benefit increases are intended to create a stronger and more modern support system centered on dignity, quality of life and equal opportunity.
