Three youth from SVT group 19 successfully complete Social Formation program, marking an important milestone after finishing the full training trajectory of the Formacion Social (SVT) program in Aruba.
The announcement was made by SVT Social Training Coordinator Jessy Ras during an interview with Matutino DIARIO. According to Ras, the three participants who successfully completed the program are Alexander Dorotaal, R.R. Maduro, and Leonardo Gomes Reyes.
The young participants began the training in March last year, and after completing a full year of training, they were able to finish the entire program successfully.
A Moment of Pride and Perseverance
Coordinator Jessy Ras described the completion of the program as an emotional and proud moment.
“This is a beautiful and emotional day, seeing that the young participants who finished today demonstrated perseverance and successfully completed the full trajectory,” Ras said.
Ras explained that SVT group 19 originally started in March 2025 with 16 young participants. However, not all of them completed the entire program.
Some participants left during the semi-military phase of the training, which forms part of the discipline component of the program.
“There are young people who leave the program for different reasons. Some choose to start working while waiting for the ARUMIL selection process, and sometimes the compensation they receive during the program is not enough for their financial situation,” Ras explained.
Despite the challenges, three highly motivated participants remained and successfully completed the entire training trajectory.
Supporting Youth Facing Challenges
As a social worker, Ras emphasized that the SVT program often works with young people facing different personal or social challenges.
Some participants struggle with personal difficulties, social or financial issues, or behavioral challenges.
However, Ras explained that even when young people leave the program early, the experience can still have a positive impact.
“In some cases, even if a young person leaves the trajectory, it can still be a success for them personally because they become motivated to return to school or find employment,” she said.
Maintaining Contact After the Program
Ras also mentioned that maintaining contact with participants after the program ends can sometimes be difficult.
Because the program lasts only one year, some participants change their phone numbers or move on with their lives, making follow-up more challenging.
During the program year, however, participants remain connected to the SVT team and must meet program requirements in order to receive their financial compensation and continue the training.
Long-Term Impact of the Program
Jessy Ras shared a positive example of a former participant from one of the earliest SVT groups who she recently encountered again.
According to Ras, that former participant is now an adult who has built a family, works as a hotel supervisor, and is doing well professionally.
Stories like this highlight the long-term impact of the program.
The Social Formation (SVT) program in Aruba helps young people between approximately 17 and 25 years old build discipline, confidence, and work skills through training, education, and internships.
Registration for the Next Group
Ras also confirmed that registration is currently open for the next SVT group, which is expected to start in August.
According to her, registration will likely close at the end of May.
The program continues to provide young people with a structured opportunity to develop discipline, skills, and a clearer direction for their future.
