Project AWE Connects Youth with Real Opportunities
ORANJESTAD — Under the motto “Learn TODAY, Lead Tomorrow” the AWE initiative focuses on empowering and supporting a group of approximately 10 to 15 young people between the ages of 16 and 35 through educational opportunities, personal development, and professional preparation.
The project aims to invest directly in the future of young people who do not always have access to opportunities that can help them grow personally and professionally. The vision is to create a supportive environment where participants can discover their talents, build self-confidence, develop practical skills, and prepare for a safer and more successful future in the job market.
The first cohort is participating in barbering workshops taking place on September 7, 14, 21, and 28. During these sessions, participants gain practical knowledge, hands-on experience, and guidance to explore employment opportunities or eventually launch their own business.
Alcides Marin, owner of STASH, emphasized that barbering should be viewed as a profession requiring dedication, discipline, and responsibility. “Barbering is a serious profession, not a hobby”, Marin stated.
In its first phase, the AWE project is offering five types of professional workshops in high-demand fields:
- Barbering
- Bartending and Mixology
- Customer Service
- Acrylic Nail Techniques
- Eyelash Extension Application
Additionally, the project provides access to personal and professional development workshops, vocational training, certified courses, educational support, and school-related opportunities. Sessions on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, mentoring, personal coaching, career counseling, and future planning are also provided.
Local artist Janiro “Ataniro” Eisden called on the community and all involved agencies to embrace the AWE project and help create more opportunities for our youth. “Embrace this project. Not every closed door is locked. Sometimes you just have to give it a little push to open it,” Ataniro said.
Minister of Tourism, Transportation, and Labor Wendrick Cicilia emphasized that our young people are valuable, despite the obstacles they may have faced in their lives. According to the minister, we cannot wait for youth to look for opportunities on their own: We need to go directly into the neighborhoods, reach out to young people, recognize their talents, listen to their needs, and connect them with concrete opportunities that can help them grow personally and professionally.”
The goal of AWE is not only to provide education, but also to create concrete opportunities for participants to enter the job market, start a business, or pursue further education. Through this initiative, young people gain practical skills, motivation, confidence, and guidance that can have a lasting, positive impact on their future.
Investing in youth is one of the best ways to strengthen communities. By providing them with the necessary tools, knowledge, and opportunities, Aruba can help shape future leaders who are responsible, motivated, self-reliant, and prepared for tomorrow's challenges.