WILLEMSTAD – Representatives of the Representation of the Netherlands in Willemstad (VNW) recently visited Frater Evonius Primary School in Koraalspecht, where they observed young students participating in a steelpan music program aimed at nurturing local talent and promoting Curaçao's cultural development.
During the visit, the delegation watched—and even briefly joined—the final steelpan lesson of the school year. Students performed the traditional children's song "Blenchi ta chupa flor," showcasing the skills they had developed after just five weeks of instruction.
According to the organizers, the students' performances demonstrated remarkable natural talent despite the short training period.
The lessons will resume after the summer vacation, with the goal of selecting five students to form a steelpan band.
The program is an initiative of Fundashon Riba Tera, an organization dedicated to promoting awareness of steelpan music and the instrument itself while introducing effective methods for teaching steelpan to young musicians.
Beyond music education, the foundation seeks to contribute to the social, cultural and artistic development of Curaçao's youth by encouraging talent development and cultural exchange.
The lessons are led by renowned local artist and composer Russel "Konkie" Halmeyer, who also heads Fundashon Riba Tera.
The project has received financial support from the Representation of the Netherlands in Willemstad through its Small Projects Fund (KPF), which assists community initiatives focused on education, culture and social development.
Organizers hope the program will inspire more young people to embrace the steelpan, an instrument deeply rooted in Caribbean musical tradition, while helping preserve and promote the region's rich cultural heritage.