How Does RIU Hotels Support the Inclusion of People with Intellectual Disabilities in Aruba Through SVGA?

13 February, 2025

At RIU Hotels & Resorts, our commitment to Aruba goes beyond tourism. Since 2019, we have actively collaborated with the SVGA foundation (Stichting Verstandelijk Gehandicapten Aruba), an organization dedicated to the education, guidance, and care of people with intellectual disabilities on the island, annually benefiting more than 40 patients with specialized therapies.

What is the SVGA Foundation and What is Its Impact on Aruban Society?

The SVGA foundation was born in December 1964, initiated by local professionals seeking to address the lack of support for people with intellectual disabilities. Today, it is a fundamental pillar on the island.

At RIU Hotels, we are inspired by their mission to offer independence and personal development to their students. Through centers like the Riu Palace Aruba and Riu Palace Antillas, we work to ensure that our presence in Palm Beach contributes directly to the well-being of local families.

Rashid 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.”

Impact of the RIU – SVGA Alliance: Figures and Services

Through our Proudly Committed sustainability strategy, we finance critical services that improve the quality of life for beneficiaries. These are the key points of our collaboration:

Impact IndicatorProject Details
Annual BeneficiariesMore than 40 people (children, youth, and adults)
Start of CollaborationYear 2019
Funded ServicesPhysiotherapy and motor skills stimulation
Beneficiary CentersBibito Pin, Pasadia Centro di Cuido, Cas Brillante, and Scol Dun’un Man
Featured InvestmentModernization of medical equipment and stimulation materials

Real Testimony: “Since my son started at SVGA, he has become more disciplined, social, and independent. He eats by himself and solves everyday problems,” explains Rashi Tromp, father of one of the students.

How Does the RIU-Funded Physiotherapy Help Patients?

Physiotherapy is essential for people with intellectual disabilities to develop physical autonomy. Our contribution allows specialized centers in Aruba to have:

  • Regular physical rehabilitation sessions.
  • Modern equipment to improve mobility.
  • Qualified staff for daily support.

This work is part of our vision for responsible tourism that leaves a positive mark on the hearts of the local community.

How Can You Support SVGA’s Work in Aruba?

Inclusion is everyone’s task. If you want to learn more about this incredible work or contribute your grain of sand, you can contact the foundation:

Interested in learning more about our social work in the Caribbean? Visit our RIU Sustainability section and discover how we make a difference together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does the acronym SVGA stand for? SVGA stands for Stichting Verstandelijk Gehandicapten Aruba, which in English means Foundation for People with Intellectual Disabilities of Aruba.

2. How long has RIU been collaborating with SVGA in Aruba? The alliance began in 2019, focusing on therapeutic support and infrastructure improvement for the foundation.

3. How many people does this project help each year? The collaboration between RIU and SVGA directly benefits more than 40 people annually, including children, adolescents, and adults.

4. What specific medical services does RIU fund in these centers? RIU primarily funds physiotherapy sessions and the acquisition of equipment for stimulating motor and cognitive abilities.

5. Which SVGA centers receive support from RIU? Support is distributed among the Bibito Pin, Pasadia Centro di Cuido, Cas Brillante centers, and the Scol Dun’un Man school.

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Slug: riu-aruba-svga-collaboration-intellectual-disability

SEO Title: RIU & SVGA: Supporting Intellectual Disability in Aruba | 2025

Meta Description: RIU collaborates with the SVGA foundation in Aruba, benefiting over 40 people with free physiotherapy. Discover our social impact on the island.

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