Aruba Discusses Braille Materials for Papiamento in Schools

Aruba’s Ministry of Education discusses the need for braille materials for Papiamento to support visually impaired students in the upcoming school year.

Meeting Highlights with FAVI and Education Minister

The Minister of Education and Sport, Endy Croes, recently met with Cetty Baarh-Bijlhout, director of the Aruban Foundation for the Visually Impaired (FAVI), and Meredith Faarup-Laclé. The meeting focused on FAVI’s efforts and the pressing need for braille materials as Papiamento is introduced in all first-grade classes this school year.

Overview of FAVI’s Services and Client Criteria

FAVI provided an overview of its organizational structure and the criteria for clients, which include individuals with 30% or less visual capacity, a field of vision less than 10%, or complete blindness. Currently, FAVI supports 48 clients, 32 of whom are active, receiving daily assistance. The organization’s primary focus is on clients aged 0 to 18 years.

Current Client Statistics and Focus

A key topic of discussion was the high cost of braille equipment connected to computers and the urgent requirement for Papiamento books in braille. For the 2024-2025 school year, an investment in 19 braille books is essential to ensure that visually impaired children have equal access to primary education alongside their peers.

Image credit: gobierno.aw

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