The youth season is an important time — one full of opportunities, growth, and development. During this stage, children and young people need support from adults in the community, and investments must be made in their well-being, especially in mental health.
International studies show that youth mental health is increasingly vulnerable, with high levels of anxiety related to school pressure, performance expectations, and worries about the future. Both men and women experience mental health challenges, but research indicates that men often find it harder to seek help, and when they do, the outcomes are not always positive.
In celebration of its 75th anniversary, N.V. Elmar has partnered with S.V. Dakota, a sports organization that supports around 200 young athletes, and 131 Aruba, which is marking 26 years of investing in the emotional well-being of Aruba’s youth. Together, these three organizations have joined forces to launch a mental health awareness campaign called “Dakota in Blue.”
Since its founding in 1947, S.V. Dakota has been recognized for its signature yellow and black team colors. However, throughout November 2025, S.V. Dakota will change its traditional colors to blue, symbolizing awareness and solidarity for mental health. During this month, both the Division of Honor and U20 teams will play in blue uniforms, featuring the logos of N.V. Elmar and 131 Aruba.
This collaboration emphasizes the importance of supporting young people and promoting open discussions about mental health within the Aruban community.
For 26 years, 131 Aruba has been providing emotional support, counseling, and information to children and young people in Aruba — and since 2022, also in Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba — through telephone, email, and chat services available daily from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The organization also offers workshops, talks, and awareness campaigns in schools, sports, and recreational settings.
“Dakota in Blue” is one of many partnerships that 131 Aruba maintains to raise awareness and encourage people to seek support for their mental well-being.
For more information about the “Dakota in Blue” campaign, visit 131.aw, follow @131aruba on Instagram and Facebook, or contact 131 Aruba by email at 131aruba@gmail.com or by phone at 588-6138 / 588-4011.
Photo Credits : https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/deporte/n-v-elmar-hunto-cu-131-aruba-y-s-v-dakota-ta-presenta-dakota-in-blue
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