Learn all about SVGA and its work supporting people with intellectual disabilities in Aruba

13 February, 2025 Share

Index

RIU touched down in Aruba in 2007 with the opening of the Riu Palace Aruba, on the iconic Palm Beach. This elegant hotel was the starting point of our adventure on the island. In 2014, we added the Riu Palace Antillas, an adults-only resort that has just celebrated its tenth anniversary. Between them, they boast more than 800 rooms and offer a 24-hour all-inclusive service.

But RIU wants to do more than just offer unforgettable holidays, it also wants to contribute to the well-being of local communities. That is why, since 2019, we have been working with the SVGA Foundation (the Dutch acronym for ‘Foundation for Aruban People with Intellectual Disabilities’), which is dedicated to caring for, guiding and educating people with intellectual disabilities. And its commitment and affection inspire us every single day.

What is the history and mission of SVGA?

SVGA was founded on 9 December, 1964, when a group of professionals concerned about the lack of support for people with intellectual disabilities on the island decided to take action. Since then, this foundation has become a key resource for many families in Aruba.

Its mission is clear: to offer care, guidance and education so that these people can become more independent, regardless of their abilities. SVGA’s services range from education and specialised care to workplace inclusion, helping each person to boost their skills. With services that include speech therapy, psychological support and adapted physical education, as well as initiatives like its core school, day centres and the Man na Obra Centre, the foundation is continually adapting to the needs of its community to build a more inclusive and fairer environment.

Rashi Tromp, the father of a child who attends SVGA, tells us: “Since my son started at SVGA, his life has changed a lot. Now he is more disciplined, more sociable and much more independent. He eats alone, does chores when we ask him to, and has even learned to solve everyday problems on his own.”

El proyecto de SVGA con RIU

SVGA’s project with RIU

RIU’s collaboration with SVGA began in 2019 as part of its commitment to local communities, and now forms part of our Proudly Committed strategy. Specifically, we fund physiotherapy sessions for children and adults at the Bibito Pin, Pasadia Centro di Cuido, Cas Brillante and Scol Dun’un Man centres. We also help to update the equipment that is used to stimulate patients’ motor skills.

Rashid explains that in Aruba it is not easy to get support for children with intellectual disabilities, so his family is enormously grateful to have found SVGA, a place where their son is understood and receives the care he needs. He especially highlights the commitment of the team: “SVGA has the experience and knowledge to deal with children with disabilities. They advise us every day and you can tell that they do it with real passion.”

Every year, this collaboration helps more than 40 people, including children, teenagers and adults, to improve their motor and cognitive skills.

How can you find out more about SVGA’s work?

If you would like to discover more about SVGA’s incredible work, we encourage you to follow them on their official Facebook page, where they share inspiring stories, events and projects that are changing lives in Aruba.

Also, if you want to do your bit to help, you can make a donation. Every contribution, large or small, is one step closer to a more inclusive and supportive community. Here are the foundation’s contact details so you can request the necessary information: [email protected]

For families considering SVGA, Rashi shares this advice:

“If you notice that your child is having any difficulties at all, identify them, accept them and seek help as soon as possible. It is essential that they receive the proper support from a young age. At SVGA they are very professional and have big hearts.”