ORANJESTAD, Aruba — In the Picture Aruba has launched its third edition with 20 new participants as the employment-focused program continues helping people receiving financial assistance prepare for the labour market.
Jalken Antonia, founder of Fundacion Ja Ik Aruba and creator of the program, said changing participants’ mindset remains one of the most important elements in helping them achieve personal and professional success.
The mandatory program is designed for clients of Aruba’s Department of Social Affairs, or DAS, who receive financial assistance. Its goal is to improve participants’ employment readiness, motivation, confidence and overall approach to their future.
Twenty Participants Begin New Program
The latest edition began with an introductory session providing the 20 participants with information about the structure of the program, its activities and what will be expected from them throughout the process.
Antonia explained how the different components of In the Picture Aruba work together and how participants can benefit from fully committing themselves to the program.
Participants receive coaching three times per week.
They also visit different companies to gain a better understanding of Aruba’s labour market, workplace environments and expectations from employers.
However, Antonia said the program is not focused only on helping participants find jobs.
A major objective is changing how individuals see themselves, their abilities and the possibilities available to them.
Previous Group Achieved Employment Results
Antonia pointed to results from the previous edition, which concluded in June 2026, as evidence that the approach can produce positive outcomes.
Of the 32 participants in that group, 12 successfully found employment.
That represents an employment rate of 37.5 percent among participants completing the program.
Antonia described the result as encouraging and said it demonstrates both the effort and potential of people who participate seriously in the process.
According to him, individuals who are genuinely prepared to change their circumstances and commit themselves to personal development have a stronger opportunity to successfully enter the labour market.
Some former participants have gone even further by exploring entrepreneurship or beginning the process of establishing their own businesses.
Mindset Seen as Key to Employment
Antonia believes attitude, perseverance and a growth-oriented mindset are fundamental to achieving lasting success.
For this reason, In the Picture Aruba combines practical employment preparation with personal development.
Participants are encouraged to reconsider limiting beliefs, recognize their abilities and develop greater confidence in their capacity to create a more independent future.
The workplace visits also give participants direct exposure to employers and different industries while helping them better understand professional expectations.
This practical experience complements the regular coaching sessions and gives participants a clearer picture of possible career opportunities.
Building Greater Financial Independence
The broader purpose of the program is to provide participants with tools they can continue using after completing the formal training.
Rather than focusing exclusively on securing immediate employment, the initiative aims to strengthen confidence, personal responsibility and motivation.
Antonia said participants who successfully change their mindset can improve their chances of finding meaningful employment and becoming more financially independent.
With 20 people now beginning the third edition, In the Picture Aruba will continue combining coaching, workplace exposure and personal development in an effort to help participants move from financial assistance toward employment and greater independence.
