Today is the launching for our newest column: Happy Community Initiative, published bi-weekly, every Thursday in Aruba Today. We will inform you about this dynamic, new project from different angles to give you a complete feel so follow us and keep engaged!
The Happy Community Initiative is a visitor charity program that you can help build Aruba’s community strong by doing a donation to good causes. CEDE Aruba, a dynamic community foundation, and the Aruba Timeshare Association (Atsa) collaborates in this platform for visitors who would like to make a donation, but also volunteer in the future. The priority is set to support projects for Aruban youths. CEDE Aruba will make sure that the donations reach meaningful projects of local non-profits, based upon quality and transparent finances of the offered programs. In this manner, you can be assured that your donation will reach its goal! With your donation, you support Aruban children with after school programs, mentorship activities and social support.
Playa Linda Beach Resort is IN!
In the lobby of many hotels, you will soon find a Happy Community donation kiosk with banner where you can make your donation. The procedure is very simple and the amount you decide for yourself. If you prefer, you can also donate via the website: www.happycommunityaruba.org Every bit of help is welcome and provides a little bit of happiness to our non-profits and their youth participants.
Playa Linda Beach Resort’s Director of Operations, Sulaika Kelly, explains that the resorts was the first one to launch the project. “We are member of Atsa, and each one of the members signed up for participation in this Happy Community Initiative. Aside of that to Playa Linda, it is important to give back to the community and have a corporate responsibility to be able to invest in the educational part.” Playa Linda’s requirements to commit to a community project are, it carried out by a trustworthy and professional entity. “This is without doubt the case with CEDE, they even hired a coordinator for this initiative. Also, the marketing requirements they have grant confidence. It needs to be done well and with a constructive and long-term vision.” CEDE has made a selection of foundations/organizations who will be executing the youth programs.
The Youth
“They are our future,” says Kelly. “We can see there is a gap for youth development on Aruba as in extra curriculum activities, and providing these children with motivational programs. It is what is very much needed.
We often lean to programs that show the immediate necessity but this program is a key for everything in the future.” Part of these youngsters will also be needed in the hospitality industry in the future, so in a way supporting them is a circle that comes back to the visitor. Programs with a dynamic mix of creativity, sports, music and building resilience help them to know what they like, and empower their skills and talents. “It is just great that we have this opportunity now to actually make a difference in the lives of this generation,” Kelly says.
Your Connection
The members and guests of Playa Linda Beach Resort are always open to help local community according to Kelly.
“They feel home here and wish to be connected with the locals. This Happy Community Initiative makes that possible for them and best thing is that the procedure is so quick and easy. The kiosk is a piece of cake as you push three times, and swipe and you are done.” You will find the kiosk in the Member’s Lounge, but soon it will be moved to the lobby.
Some Facts
Millions of people around the world love Aruba, the ONE HAPPY ISLAND and the home away from home!
Tourism in Aruba is performing well. However, in Aruba, about 6 of 10 youngsters between the ages of 12 and 18 are alone or without adult supervision after school time. In most cases, it is because their parents are working. In addition to this, many of Aruba’s youngsters do not travel often and experience boredom from a lack of activities during school vacations. Furthermore, 4 out of 10 Aruban youngsters do not finish secondary school. This is a very big issue for Aruba’s future economy and the tourism industry. A recent study found; At least 60% of Aruba’s youth is asking for afterschool programs, aiming at sports, cooking, art programs and a safe place to hang out with their friends.
How to Donate
Your donation will help us to start and support after school programs with a focus on time for homework and diverse, meaningful activities.
Also, your donation will support mentorship activities during school vacation, and support projects aiming at youth at risk. Last but not least, your donation will support projects that reduce the amounts of school dropouts, create new opportunities for youngsters to integrate back in education, and to find a career.
At this moment the following resorts have a donation kiosk: Paradise Beach Villas; Costa Linda Beach Resort; La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino; and Playa Linda Beach Resort.
You can also donate on the website:Â https://happycommunityaruba.org/donate.
Copyright CEDE Aruba
Happy Community Initiative
Beatrixstraat 8
Oranjestad, Aruba
T: Â +297 582.7666
E:Â Â Â Â info@happycommunityaruba.org
www.happycommunityaruba.org
