In connection with the celebration of its 15th anniversary, Stichting Rancho is dedicating the month of April to organizing a series of cultural and educational activities focused on heritage and identity. The president of the foundation, Mr. Clifford Rosa, stated that during the period from 2025 to early 2026, the organization has experienced new developments that open up different opportunities for the future.
As part of the program, on Monday, April 20, a mini-symposium will be held at the University of Aruba, focused on academic exchange, awareness, and practices related to the preservation of intangible cultural heritage. The activity will emphasize the importance of knowledge and reflection on cultural heritage and Afro-descendancy within Aruban society.
In addition, on April 29, Stichting Rancho, together with Fundacion InspirArte Aain, will organize a cultural trip to La Guajira under the title: “Back to the Roots”, with the aim of strengthening cultural connections with Afro and Indigenous communities in the region.
Academic exchange and community dialogue
The mini-symposium forms part of an ongoing academic exchange between Aruba and La Guajira. The event was made possible thanks to financial support from the Herdenkingscomité Slavernijverleden, a fund that provides support for projects related to the history of slavery and its social impact.
The program will begin in the morning with presentations by speakers specialized in different disciplines. After midday, a participatory session will follow together with the community, in the form of workshops and dialogue, with the aim of analyzing, deliberating, and identifying challenges and opportunities surrounding the topic of Afro-descendancy in Aruba.
The organizers aspire that the meeting will culminate in the formulation of a concrete intention on how to address and promote recognition of Afro-descendancy on the island. Topics that will be addressed include the history of slavery, musical expression, culinary traditions, and other cultural aspects that form part of the historical heritage of the community.
“The connection with our roots is fundamental to understanding our identity and to building a more conscious future,” according to a statement by President Clifford Rosa.
Invited speakers
The official opening of the mini-symposium will be conducted by the president of Stichting Rancho. Among the invited speakers are:
- Dr. Viola Heutger, who will present her lecture virtually
- Ramon Todd Dandaré, linguist
- Maria Isabel Cabarcas Aguilar, lawyer, social worker, and cultural manager from La Guajira
- Martin Lopez Gonzalez, social psychologist and member of Fundacion Evolucion Afro
- Guillermo Ojeda Jayariyu, writer, visual artist, and coordinator of the Autonomous Major Council of the Wayúu Palabreros (Pütchipü’ü)
- Benedicta Deogratias, professional at the University of Aruba specializing in human rights
Each speaker will address the theme of Afro-descendancy from their own professional and cultural perspective, creating a space for academic reflection and constructive dialogue.
Participation open to the public
The mini-symposium is open to the general public. Interested individuals can register free of charge via social media platforms or the official website of Stichting Rancho. The organization emphasizes the importance of registering on time, as the venue capacity is limited and a group of special guests has already been confirmed.