a group of 20 young people participated in an inspiration trip to Curaçao as part of the youth project “Break and Build: A Journey into my Roots” (Kibra i Konstruí: Un Biahe den mi Rais). In this project, they investigate how the bonding and affection patterns that youth experience today are related to the history of slavery.
The Public Entity Bonaire and Mental Health Caribbean (MHC) are executing the project jointly. It forms part of the Bonaire Slavery Past Agenda and is included in the program for the Strengthening of Caribbean Heritage and Cultural Exchange. The intention of this program is to contribute to the mental health of youth and their families.
Over the course of four days, culture, history, art, connection, and inspiration took center stage. The trip provided the youth with the opportunity to discover new places, learn more about the shared history of slavery, and gain experiences that they will incorporate into their own artistic works.
During the program, the youth visited the Tambú Museum / Shon Cola, Kas di Pal’i Maishi (Straw-roof house), Tula Museum, Kura Hulanda, the Slavery Past Commemoration Committee, the Curaçao Interactive Museum, and the 7.1 Art Gallery, among others. They also became acquainted with historical sites in Punda and Otrobanda during a walking tour guided by Tyrone Brunken. Additionally, there was space for meetings, dialogue, recreation, and collective reflection.
The inspiration trip was a great success. The young people gained valuable knowledge about the history, culture, and identity of Curaçao. Through visits, conversations, and hands-on experiences, they acquired new insights into themes such as the history of slavery, heritage, connection, resilience, family patterns, and shared memories.
The impressions gained form an important foundation for the artwork that the youth will continue to develop. In their creative art pieces, they will express their experiences, new knowledge regarding the history of slavery, and its lasting effects on mental health and family dynamics.
The journey continues following the inspiration trip. In the coming period, the youth will work on their artwork, which they will exhibit on June 20, 2026, at Mangazina di Rei. In this way, the inspiration trip gains a permanent place, allowing others to benefit from what the young people saw, learned, and felt.
The trip was aimed at discovery, experience, and connection. For the youth, it was not only a cultural experience but also a moment of personal growth, awareness, and the creation of shared memories.
