Parlatino delegation reviews Pius X Healthy School program in Aruba

A delegation from the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (Parlatino) visited the Pius X School in Aruba to review the school’s Healthy School program. Now in its third year, the initiative focuses on nutrition, school agriculture, and student and teacher wellbeing.

During the visit, parliamentarians observed students engaging in practical health lessons, such as weighing fruit and analyzing nutritional labels. The delegation also toured the school garden, where students participate in planting and harvesting local produce, including papayas, bananas, plantains, and cucumbers.

The program originated following the COVID-19 pandemic, initially aiming to support teacher safety and health before expanding to include student mental and emotional wellbeing. Parliamentary leader Eduard Pieters presented the school’s work on movement and health, emphasizing emotional intelligence and self-regulation. Pieters advocated for formally integrating these health and movement goals into Aruba’s national education curriculum and laws.