ORANJESTAD (AAN) – Plan di Mayor Launches Second KIES Camp for Children of Separated Parents, offering a week-long intervention program designed to support children and teenagers coping with parental separation, divorce, or other family changes.
The second edition of KIES Camp will be held August 3–7, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at YNZ Montessori High School in Kudawecha.
During a recent interview, Michelmira Arends, coordinator at Plan di Mayor Aruba, provided details about the upcoming program.
KIES, which stands for Kinderen In Een Scheiding (“Children in Divorce”), is one of Plan di Mayor’s intervention initiatives aimed at helping young people navigate the emotional challenges associated with family separation.
This year’s camp will include educational and recreational activities in collaboration with several organizations, including the Aruba Police Force (KPA), Aruba Fire Department, Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard, Aruba Ostrich Farm, Bon Nochi, Drumi Dushi, ArtisA, and other community partners.
The camp is divided into three age groups:
- KIES-Kleuter: Children aged 4–6
- KIES-Kinderen: Children aged 7–12
- KIES-Jongeren: Teenagers aged 13–17
Participation is intended for children whose parents are separated, divorced, or currently in the process of separating. The program is also open to children who have lost one or both parents, live with a guardian, or are under the care of a child welfare organization.
According to Arends, the camp offers much more than recreational activities.
Its primary goal is to provide children with a safe environment where they can express their emotions, discuss their personal experiences, and learn healthy ways to cope with difficult family situations.
She explained that an important part of the program is helping participants understand that they are not alone and that many other children face similar challenges.
Registration is available through the Plan di Mayor website using the online registration link.
The participation fee is AWG 50 per child, although families who are unable to afford the fee may qualify for free participation.
Payments can be made in cash at MFA Santa Cruz 47, second floor, with the next payment session scheduled for July 27 after 1:00 p.m. Families unable to make payment on that date are encouraged to contact Plan di Mayor to arrange an alternative payment option.
