WILLEMSTAD - Students from three Curaçaoan schools will spend October 29, 2025, learning about human rights through a creative and interactive program of workshops, theatre, and discussions. The initiative coincides with the upcoming 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights, which will be celebrated in 2026.

The project is an initiative of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and is organized in collaboration with local youth theatre organizations. Its goal is to raise awareness among young people about the importance of human rights and how they relate to everyday life.

Through theatre performances, debates, and creative exercises, students will explore themes such as freedom, equality, and justice. Their insights and artistic contributions will later be compiled into a multimedia final presentation.

Local Schools and Partners

Students from Triniteit Pierre Lauffer College, Kolegio Ancilla Domini, and Maris Stella will participate in the event. The Jeugdtheaterschool Drazans Foundation is leading the workshops, performances, and discussions, while students will receive introductory lessons on the European Convention before the event.

Activities Across the Caribbean

Similar educational events are being organized across the Dutch Caribbean.

In Aruba, primary school students will receive a special human rights lesson, and university students will take part in roundtable discussions and theatre performances.

On Sint Maarten, schools will integrate the human rights curriculum into their lessons, and at the NIA Black Box Theatre, several generations of artists will share their perspectives through dance, music, and song.

Regional Collaboration

The project involves multiple cultural and judicial partners:

On Curaçao, activities are coordinated by Stichting Jeugdtheaterschool Drazans.

In Aruba, Alice van Romondt and Ferdinand Franca from Fundacion Salvaguardia e Herencia Cultural di Aruba are leading the local program.

On Sint Maarten, Arlene Halley-Newhouse represents the National Institute of Arts (NIA).

Meanwhile, on Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba, judges Eline Groenendaal, Gerben Drenth, and Brenda Martinez-Hammer will guide students through mock court sessions.

Judge Jolien Schukking of the European Court of Human Rights is personally involved in the initiative, underscoring the importance of educating the next generation about the values of human rights, justice, and dignity.