WILLEMSTAD - The pupils and teachers of Kolegio Iris Bruynning chose to take to the streets and march to create awareness for love, tolerance and acceptance in our community as their way to celebrate Valentine’s day 2019.

About 386 kids ranging from 4 to 14 years, accompanied by 20 staff members, took to the streets and marched from Suvek to their school in Bonam.  They were accompanied by a brass band and carried signs expressing their commitment to upholding the values.  Regional bank CIBC FirstCaribbean supported the initiative which was intended to remind the students and the wider community of the importance of love, tolerance and acceptance.

“The kids of Kolegio Iris Bruyning reminded us with this march that love, tolerance and acceptance are key to creating a community where we all feel we are part of and can prosper to the best of our potential.  The joy with which they celebrated these values was very contagious.  CIBC FirstCaribbean applauds this initiative and therefore supported the project,” said Lysaira Ortela, the bank’s Marketing Manager in Curaçao.

The school also plans to use the same shirts used during the march during their celebration of Carnival so the spirit of the march will remain with the kids beyond Valentine’s day.