Sharine Croes-Dubero, coordinator of the Study Facilities Section at Aruba’s Department of Education, has clarified key details regarding government subsidies available for school-related materials — including a new provision for laptops — which are now tied directly to the household income of the student’s parents or guardians.
In an interview with DIARIO, Croes-Dubero explained that subsidies are provided for textbooks, calculators, computers, laptops, and school transportation. The most recent addition to this support system is the laptop subsidy.
“The maximum combined annual income of the parents or guardians must not exceed 42,000 florins to qualify,” she stated.
Subsidy breakdown includes:
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Up to 550 florins per student for books and calculators.
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Up to 750 florins per student for computers or laptops.
“For example, if a laptop costs 900 florins, the family would only pay 150, as the government covers up to 750,” Croes-Dubero explained.
She encouraged parents who use school buses to begin the application process early, filling out the necessary forms, all of which are available on the official government website under the section for parental subsidies. The website also outlines the full list of eligibility requirements.
Croes-Dubero also noted a decline in the number of applicants in recent years, indicating that fewer households now fall within the qualifying income bracket.
She emphasized the importance of the transportation subsidy, particularly for students from low-income families who may struggle to reach school otherwise.
For families receiving government assistance (bijstand), Croes-Dubero outlined the required procedure:
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Collect a form from the Department of Social Affairs (DAS).
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Complete and submit it to the Tax Department (DIMP) for verification of income.
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Bring the official declaration back to the Subsidy Section, where eligibility will be assessed
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