One of the most enjoyable and successful events of 2024 was the Back to School Party, organized by Giorgio Fernandes (son of the founder), along with (the late)
colleague Cheriss and a large group of dedicated volunteers. This event embodies the reason why I founded my foundation.

This event was primarily focused on conviviality—a final festive day before school resumed. The combination of food and drinks, music, dancing, and games created a warm, inclusive atmosphere where families could enjoy each other’s company.

The success of this second edition was so overwhelming that we will definitely repeat this event. The Back to School Party is a perfect example of how our foundation can facilitate and celebrate community connection, with a strong emphasis on conviviality and togetherness.

This day showcased the power of volunteers, young organizers, and community engagement—three core values ​​of our foundation.

This exhibition highlights the fascinating journey of the lappenpangi, from its traditional origins to its modern interpretations and the contemporary “2.0 edition.”

A highlight of 2025 was our exhibition, which, through the lens of the lappenpangi, explored the evolution of norms, values, and traditions within Maroon and Creole cultures. This exhibition offered visitors a unique glimpse into how this iconic textile has shaped and preserved the rich cultural practices, values, and ways of life of these communities throughout the centuries.

The exhibition served as a bridge between generations, with older community members sharing their knowledge and memories of the lappenpangi with younger visitors. It was not just a display of objects, but a vibrant story of resilience, identity, and cultural continuity. Visitors gained insight into how norms and values ​​are passed down and how these communities have maintained their unique identity despite historical challenges, all reflected in the evolution of the lappenpangi.

A special cultural moment was the Banya ancestor worship dance workshop, organized by Naks Netherlands, led by Ananka Kofi from Suriname. This traditional dance, an important spiritual practice within Maroon culture, honors ancestors and connects with cultural roots.

The large turnout from all age groups (both men and women) clearly demonstrated the strong need for these kinds of cultural activities. This underscores the importance of our own community building, a dedicated space where we can learn together, share, and pass on our traditions.
Having our own space would allow us to regularly organize valuable workshops like this and create a lasting center for cultural transmission and community strengthening.

In close collaboration with Marronbrug, we developed a significant educational program around Keti Koti (the celebration of the abolition of slavery on July 1st). This initiative focuses on telling the story of slavery to primary school students from grades 4 through 8.

These lessons are crucial in a time when the cultural landscape is constantly changing. It is essential that children learn about the underlying stories and historical events that are deeply meaningful to specific communities. By sharing these stories, we ensure that younger generations not only know the facts but also understand the emotional and cultural impact of events that shaped their community. This contributes to mutual understanding, empathy, and a stronger historical awareness.

These educational sessions at the Da Vinci School in The Hague show students actively engaged in learning about Keti Koti history. Here, we see them engaged intently on laptops, using interactive methods and digital presentations to make the complex material accessible to young students.

The program combines historical education with cultural awareness and helps young people understand the significance of Keti Koti and its relevance today.

The Maroon embroidery workshop, a successful initiative of Marronbrug that our foundation enthusiastically supported as part of its cultural transmission efforts, was remarkably successful. This workshop introduced participants to a centuries-old craft tradition deeply rooted in Maroon culture. Under expert guidance, they learned the specific techniques, patterns, and symbolism that characterize Maroon embroidery.

The “Applying with Impact” workshops provide a safe environment where participants can develop their skills and build confidence. This support significantly increases the job market opportunities for members of our community.

At the invitation of Ghana’s Minister of Culture, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, our foundation participated in the Afro Gastro Festival. This special cooking event, in which our foundation collaborated with Marronbrug, Kracht voor de Toekomst, and Collective Rebirth, focused on sharing our cultural heritage through traditional dishes preserved by the diaspora after four hundred years of slavery. Food is more than just nourishment; it is a living archive of history, identity, and resilience.

During our trip to Ghana, we had the honor of meeting the village chief of Ajumako.
This meeting was deeply meaningful, focusing on traditional leadership, community values,
and the connection between the diaspora and the homeland.

This experience in Ajumako gave us a deeper understanding of our roots and inspired us to continue our work in the diaspora. The hospitality and openness with which we were welcomed strengthened our sense of connection to the African continent and led to concrete development initiatives. For example, the Maroon bridge projects for the construction of wells and the renovation of schools are now in full swing, a direct result of this fruitful encounter. We took back not only memories, but also the determination to further expand these partnerships.

On March 14, 2025, a special project will take place in collaboration with Open Rotterdam: “What About Us?!” – an initiative in which young people (16-30 years old) work in teams of no more than 5 minutes to make a powerful statement about a political or social issue relevant to Rotterdam.