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Thursday 17 OcTOber 2019

Happy Community Initiative is looking for your help:

“They want your love, support, encouragement,

your nurture, acceptance and attention”

dition to this, many of Aruba’s youngsters do not travel (often) and
ORANJESTAD — Your teen times. It is most probably the most diffi- experience boredom from a lack of activities during school vacations.
cult phase and at the same time it is the best part of your life. For a Furthermore, four out of ten Aruban youngsters do not finish second-
parent the teen is challenging and rebellion is part of it, but teens … ary school. This is a very big issue for Aruba’s future economy and the
they need love. The recently launched Happy Community Initiative local tourism industry. A recent study found at least 60% of Aruba’s
(HCI) asks your support to set up a high-quality after school program youth is asking for afterschool programs, aiming at sports, cooking, art
for Aruban teens. Six out of ten teens are home alone here, mostly programs and a safe place to hang out with their friends.
because parents work to meet ends. One Happy Island wishes for
Happy Teens. Small gesture, big impact
Aruba’s visitor charity program HCI is raising funds to roll out an af-
Sandra, a mother of two sons in dra’s boys asked her children if they ter school program. “The objective is to raise $110K by June 1st, 2020
the age of 13 and 16: “It is really would be open to participate in which can cater to 40 youngsters for one year where they will receive
important to have a high-quality such a program. They both are into homework guidance, opportunity to participate in sports, music les-
after school program because, I it as long as the rules are not too sons and art classes, meals and beverages, operations costs, guid-
have no place to leave them after strict, they said. A typical teenage ance support and materials”, says Kimberly Mathilda, Coordinator of
school.The parents are working, like answer but remember: it is still the HCI. “$2254.90 has been collected so far, should each of us donate we
myself, which leaves the children adult that needs to keep the super-
alone at home.” She finds it diffi- vision and decide what is good for can reach our goal faster.”q
cult to know that her kids are home their children. Sandra: “They think
alone for several reasons: “I do not they are old enough to do and de- Our Newest Column is All about
know what he is doing. He is kind of cide things, but they are not. They
isolated and spends too much time are looking for an identity and are YOUth and Happiness
on social media.” She would pre- very vulnerable. I see it around me.
fer her children to be stimulated in A lot of teens stay home alone and ORANJESTAD — Our newest column Happy Community Initiative is
their interests and be able to try for many single parents work double published bi-weekly on Thursdays in Aruba Today. We inform you
example music instruments, jobs. I mean, how on earth do you about this dynamic, new projects from a different angle to give you
arts & crafts and sports. “In that manage and still have energy for a complete feel, so follow us and stay engaged!
way, they can explore what their your teens like that?” In her opinion
interest is and develop a passion for it is all about your mindset: You can The Happy Community Initiative is a visitor charity program that
something. Nowadays teens seem convince yourself that it is okay to you can help strengthen Aruba’s community by donating to good
so shallow and inactive because leave them home alone but if you causes. CEDE Aruba, a dynamic community foundation, the
of the devices that keep them en- think honestly it is not. “They are still Aruba Timeshare Association (ATSA), the Aruba Tourism Authority
gaged.” She acknowledges that children and they need your love, and several companies collaborate in this platform for visitors who
the economic situation on Aruba your support, your encouragement, would like to make a donation, but also volunteer in the future. The
forces parents to work hard to pro- your nurture, acceptance and at- priority is set to support projects for Aruban youths. CEDE Aruba will
vide fortheir family needs and that tention.” make sure that the donations reach meaningful projects of local
makes life more stressful. It affects non-profits, based upon quality and transparency of finances of
the teens who are left alone and Some facts the offered programs. In this manner, you can be assured that your
lack the support in such a difficult Millions of people around the world donation will reach its goal! With your donation, you support Aru-
age. “Not everyone can count on love Aruba, the ONE HAPPY ISLAND ban children with after school programs, mentorship activities and
family or friends to help. In that case and the home away from home. social support. You can donate at the kiosks in the lobby of several
there seems to be no other choice.” Tourism in Aruba is performing great. hotels (Costa Linda, Playa Linda, Paradise Beach Villas and La Ca-
However, in Aruba, about six of ten bana) or you can donate on the website: https://happycommuni-
Fix your mindset youngsters between the ages of 12 tyaruba.org/donate.q
Shulaika, a single mother of two and 18 are alone or without adult
children who are teens like San- supervision after school time. In ad- Copyright CEDE Aruba