The challenge is great, but the satisfaction of graduating is greater
With satisfaction and a deep sense of pride, it is evident how the young participants of Formacion Social have embraced the opportunity they received in life, and how they are now reaping the benefits of their effort and sacrifice, expressed Premier Eman during the graduation ceremony of the youths who took part in the Formacion Social (SVT) program.
There was an opportunity to speak with several graduates, who shared their feelings after successfully completing the course.
G’Dior Tromp, from San Fuego, said that at the beginning it was difficult for him. He did not talk to anyone, but as the days passed and he began to live together with the other participants, he gradually began to speak more.
He received a lot of support and learned to know each person better. He believes that joining SVT is the best choice one can make. It brings a drastic change to your life.
Tromp is taking on the challenge to continue: he will join the Parke Nacional Arikok team for an internship while evaluating his next step, which will very likely be joining the Kazerne.
Bradley Werleman, from St. Cruz, also participated in the program. His experience was positive; as with the others, the beginning was challenging. He had an idea of what to expect, but reality exceeded his expectations. Many new experiences!
Werleman is glad he accepted this challenge — an extremely valuable journey. He shared and lived with other participants, traveled to Curaçao, earned medals, and participated in different activities he never imagined he could accomplish.
Grateful for the opportunity and excited for the next phase, which is ARUMIL. The experience opened many doors and made him aware of opportunities that should not be missed.
This program offers many opportunities to young people. That moment of realization makes you see life differently. Absence from school, hanging out all day with friends, and not looking for work used to be the daily routine — but that has now changed. You must look for opportunities to move forward, otherwise you stay behind, explained Bradley.
His achievement is personal, but also dedicated to his family, his mentors, and Mike Eman, the one who initiated the project — making it possible for him to feel the joy he experiences today from completing the course.
“After all the bad times, only brightness comes,” is included in the design Werleman made to symbolize the effort, challenge, and goal the group went through. Together they succeeded. No matter how lost you feel, there is always a light to guide you; and now they can say that their lives have changed and they finally see the light of new opportunities.
A conversation was also held with Kendrick Yarzagaray from Tanki Leendert. He followed advice and is now proud to have completed the SVT program. Difficulties in his studies pushed him to seek an alternative, and he is happy to have found that in the Kazerne. Fighting for a better life!
It was tough at the beginning, but he adapted and learned along the way. According to Kendrick: “In life, everything is a lesson.” He is proud of his achievement, happy to make his family proud again, and grateful for the opportunity to be part of a group that will always support each other and help others going forward.
Opportunities to continue are available: internships or joining ARUMIL are among the possible next steps.
Formacion Social (SVT) in Aruba offers young people aged 17–25 the chance to build discipline and prepare for the job market. The program includes training with ARUMIL and internships with local companies. The SVT project helps many young people who complete the trajectory to find employment.
The SVT trajectory has two phases:
Phase 1 (military): Takes place at the Marine Barracks in Savaneta under ARUMIL supervision. It lasts about 16 weeks and includes physical training, discipline, and respect.
Phase 2 (employment/study): Youths take courses and do internships with local companies. Through Enseñansa pa Empleo, SVT opens doors to employment or education.
More than 80% of participants who complete the program find work or continue their education. The program was originally only for boys, but today girls can also participate in a separate group.
