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Diahuebs, 5 October 2023 AWEMainta LOCAL NEWS 27
CEDE Aruba and the University of
Aruba Forge a Significant Collaboration
CEDE Aruba, our local organization dedicated to social and the development of a Visitor Charity Program. The
and sustainable development, has signed a Memorandum primary collaboration is to provide knowledge resources,
of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Aruba. The such as interns, students, and research originating from
primary goal of this agreement is to establish a collabora- the University of Aruba. Additionally, CEDE Aruba will facil-
tion in the fields of education and community development. itate and contribute to providing practical opportunities
For over 40 years, CEDE Aruba has been providing support and experience for students, as well as provide funding for
to various NGOs in Aruba and the civil society and volun- programs and training at the University of Aruba and the
teerism sector. CEDE Aruba’s main goal is to contribute to a Institute for Good Governance and Leadership, in line with
community where people of all ages and backgrounds can the specific areas indicated in the MoU.
continue to develop themselves. CEDE Aruba’s five strate-
gies include financing, capacity development, networking, Another part of the foundation for this agreement was
advocacy, and program/project development and imple- laid during the interactive workshops “Towards Integrity
mentation. Through extensive dialogue within the NGO in Aruba,” organized by the University of Aruba/Aruba
sector, CEDE Aruba has created a Strategic Compass for Institute for Good Governance and Leadership in collabo-
2022-2026. ration with the Foundation for Good Governance Aruba,
Saxion University of Applied Sciences, and Hope Aruba.
The University of Aruba has been offering higher education The first recommendation in the National Integrity System
opportunities in Aruba for 35 years and has contributed to (NIS) report indicates that there is no ‘quick fix’ to change
the educational development of professionals. The result a national integrity system overnight. However, any small
is a pool of professionals holding key positions in Aruba’s steps towards strengthening an NIS reinforce other pillars.
economy. Currently, the University of Aruba offers seven The contributions and recommendations presented during
main areas of study, along with an academic foundation, a these workshops inspired CEDE ARUBA and the University
guide for recent high school graduates, and teams equipped of Aruba to take concrete steps to combine their strengths
with the tools and skills to excel at higher academic levels, in the interest of Aruba’s future.
allowing them to discover their vocations.
The agreement spans a four-year period. This collaboration
The proposed collaboration is based on the strategic priori- will foster a fruitful relationship between CEDE Aruba and
ties outlined in CEDE Aruba’s Strategic Compass 2022-2026. the University of Aruba, with the ultimate goal of making
These priorities include contributions to stable institutions, a sustainable contribution to local NGOs, civil society, and
data and information collection, neighborhood programs, Aruban society as a whole.
