WILLEMSTAD – The University of Curaçao (UoC) has received funding from the Dutch Research Council (NWO) for a unique public engagement project that invites young adults and adults to explore the role of religious communities in the history of slavery. The interactive program will launch in October with a pilot in a neighborhood on the island.
The initiative builds on the NWO research project Church and Slavery, which revealed new insights into the historical and theological connections between religion and slavery. The UoC is working in collaboration with the Protestant Theological University, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and the Catharijneconvent Museum in Utrecht.
Storytelling and Forum Theatre at the Core
The program uses storytelling and forum theatre techniques to engage participants in meaningful dialogue. Short scenes inspired by historical events encourage participants to explore alternative perspectives. Each session concludes with a group reflection on the relevance of slavery and religion in today’s society.
“This dialogue is essential in a context where the legacy of slavery and colonialism is still deeply felt,” the project team stated. Many people involved are descendants of both the enslaved and the enslavers, and religion historically played a complex role—serving as a source of both pain and healing.
Community-Based Approach with Local Partners
Writer, actor, and storyteller Mario Kleinmoedig is helping tailor the program to resonate with diverse audiences. The local organization Unidat di Bario Kòrsou, led by Jeannette Juliet-Pablo, is bringing neighborhoods together and providing a platform for open dialogue within communities.
The project also leverages digital technology to document and share insights. NAAM (National Archaeological and Anthropological Memory Management) is assisting with the digital archiving. The Dutch-based Foundation for the Healing Processing of the Slavery Past is also a key contributor.
Pilot Launch and Upcoming Conference
The initial soft launch of the pilot will take place in October in a neighborhood yet to be announced. Residents, representatives from religious communities, and other stakeholders will come together to share stories and reflect on the ongoing impact of the colonial past.
The project will also be prominently featured during the upcoming international conference, Christianity and Slavery in The Dutch Caribbean Islands, Surinam, and The Netherlands, scheduled to take place in Curaçao from November 10 to 14, 2025. The conference will bring together church and faith communities from across the Kingdom of the Netherlands to engage with this critical history and its modern-day implications.
