WILLEMSTAD - Carmabi's subsidy application for the project "Salu" has been approved by the Dutch Fund for Cultural Participation.
This project is an initiative of Dr. Manfred van Veghel, director of Carmabi, with Nicole van Alphen serving as the project leader. It will take place in and around the salt pans of Willibrordus and aims to commemorate the history of slavery and disseminate knowledge about the history of enslaved people and salt production in the region.
Project Salu seeks to enhance the knowledge and awareness of the residents of Willibrordus regarding their ancestors' history and the salt production process, while also strengthening the Willibrordus community. The project includes various sub-projects that collectively contribute to increasing knowledge about the history of slavery for both the community and visitors.
Activities and Objectives
As part of the project, residents and volunteers will collaborate to build field lime kilns and set up an experimental mini salt pan.
Additionally, Carmabi will develop an educational package for primary and secondary schools focused on slavery and salt production, coupled with a visit to the salt pans. Guides will be trained to provide tours for island residents and tourists.
Through these activities, the community, students, island residents, and tourists will learn about the history of slavery, enslaved people, and salt production in Willibrordus and Curaçao.
Once the mini salt pan is operational, salt will be harvested regularly. This salt production process serves both an educational and symbolic function, providing the community and visitors with a better understanding of the working and living conditions of enslaved individuals.
The sports complex of Sint Willibrordus will play a central role in this project as a meeting place. At the end of 2024, an event will take place to commemorate and celebrate the abolition of slavery. The event will feature speakers, folk dancing, music, and a communal meal. More information will be provided as soon as possible.
Participate in Project Salu
Carmabi is looking for individuals who want to participate in various components of the project as staff, entrepreneurs, and/or volunteers. Opportunities include building field lime kilns and the mini salt pan, serving as tour guides, park rangers, contractors, masons, catering, operating the mini salt pan, and preparing salt for sale. For more information, you can contact Carmabi through www.carmabi.org/contactus, info@carmabi.org, or +599 9 462 42 42.
Rediscovering History
Dr. Manfred van Veghel, director of Carmabi, emphasizes the importance of this project: "Project Salu is a unique opportunity for the residents of Willibrordus to rediscover their own history and share it with others. By working together on these projects, we not only strengthen the community but also honor the legacy of the enslaved people."
He adds, "The process of salt production and the role that slavery played in it are parts of our history that are often overlooked. This project will help keep these stories alive and pass them on to future generations."
Funding
The Salu project is funded under the category "Commemoration Year of Slavery History" by the Fund for Cultural Participation in the Netherlands. The Fund for Cultural Participation encourages participation in culture.