Community Building Event
LET’S CONNECT! – BAN CONECTA!
Cede Aruba held its first Communty Building Event “Let’s Connect! – Ban Conecta!” in connection with the BARiO UNICO Project on November 21, 2023.
In the vibrant setting of the Renaissance Conventions Center filled with positive energy, hope, and ideas for desired changes in Aruba's neighborhoods, the event proved to be a success. The neighborhood centers - Centronan di Bario - involved in the BARiO UNICO project not only met with 32 other organizations but also had the opportunity to genuinely connect with them. Ideas were exchanged, and collaboration plans that benefit the Aruban community were developed.
Among the distinguished guests were Mr. Rocco Tjon, Minister of Justice and Social Affairs; Mr. Endy Croes, Minister of Education and Sports; and Mr. Ursell Arends, Minister of Transport, Integrity, Nature, and Elderly Affairs.
Mr. Daniel Tecklenborg, Director of CEDE Aruba, opened the event with a welcome speech, followed by addresses from Minister Rocco Tjon and Mrs. Gianni Bermudez, Program Coordinator for BARiO UNICO.
During the initial part of the event, awards of recognition were presented to five outstanding volunteers, acknowledging and expressing gratitude for their years of dedicated community service at their respective Centro di Bario, contributing to their neighborhoods and the wider community of Aruba. The awardees are:
· From Centro di Bario Lago Heights: Mr. Kenneth C. Lucas, Mr. Valentino W. Peterson and Mr. Rufo J. Anthony
· From Centro di Bario Playa Pabao: Mr. Dennis K. Burke
· From Centro di Bario Noord: Mrs. Marlin Ignacio
All participants and guests were given a preview of the new BARiO UNICO website designed by JDB. This website offers significant potential for BARiO UNICO, providing each neighborhood center with the unique opportunity to manage their own information, including activities, rental spaces, project management, e-commerce, and more.
The objective of the Community Building Event is to establish and cultivate long-term professional relationships, helping to forge new and strengthen existing relationships that benefit stakeholders and the Aruban community. "Let’s Connect! – Ban Conecta!" provides a platform where ideas meet opportunity. Consolidating these ideas with the support of a network is a significant step towards achieving the long-lasting change desired in Aruba's neighborhoods. Let’s make this happen!
The next "Let’s Connect! - Ban Conecta!" Community Building Events will take place at various Community Centers. All information will be available via the new BARiO UNICO website.
BARiO UNICO is a collaboration between the Government of Aruba, CEDE ARUBA, and the neighborhood centers. The program is supported by "Samenwerkende fondsen Cariben" and can already count on collaboration from several organizations in the community.
For more information, please contact CEDE ARUBA / BARiO UNICO.