WILLEMSTAD – Mama Baranka (Mother Rock) is the latest project of Wintertuin Curaçao. Led by Aline Abdul, mothers with a migrant background in Curaçao share their life stories. The organization is still looking for interested participants.
The mothers, who come from migrant communities in the region, including Venezuela, Colombia, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, work together with the author to create stories that reflect their journey. Through their stories, they explore where they come from, how they experience life in Curaçao and what future they envision for themselves and their children. In addition to the aforementioned nationalities, women from other (island) countries in the Caribbean are also welcome, as well as South American countries such as Guyana and Suriname. Social Cultural Safety Net
Mama Baranka is the first project of Wintertuin Curaçao that specifically focuses on migrant mothers. This group often lacks a social and cultural safety net. By offering them a creative space in which they feel seen and heard, the project contributes to connection, representation and self-determination. The name of the project, which means ‘Mother Rock’ in Papiamento, has a double meaning: Baranka is also a nickname for Curaçao and symbolizes the strength and resilience of these women and their shared experiences.
Author Aline Abdul (2003) also has a migrant background. The author, poet and law student was born in Lebanon and has been actively involved in social and cultural initiatives from a young age. Her poetry collection ‘Sin Frontera’ (Publisher Wintertuin Curaçao) won the Unesco Curaçao Prize for the Mother Tongue in 2024 and reflects the multicultural society.
Celebrating Migrant Stories
Mama Baranka celebrates the contributions of Caribbean migrant mothers. During weekly group sessions, literary methods such as themes, style and structure are discussed, while listening to each other and giving constructive feedback. The project concludes with a celebratory event where the best stories are presented in a video, celebrating the voices and experiences of the participants.
Wintertuin Curaçao uses literature and storytelling to highlight the stories that reflect society. "The goal of Mama Baranka is to give a voice to those who are often invisible. We strive to create a warm and safe space where these mothers feel comfortable sharing their experiences – so that they are not only heard, but also find recognition and connection," according to the organization.
"We are aware that the mothers who participate take time out of their often over-full days of caring, working and raising their children. That alone deserves respect. From previous projects we know how valuable it can be to take a moment to reflect on your own life: on your dreams, your motivations, and where you want to go. At the same time, new encounters and connections arise that can be supportive in a country where you cannot always fall back on family or a trusted network.” The language used during the sessions is Papiamentu, but participants can also express themselves in Spanish and English. Participation is free. On June 30, there will be an information evening from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at The Triangle on Hoogstraat in Otrobanda. The writing sessions will take place every Tuesday from July 8 to September 2 between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM at The Triangle. The stories will be filmed on September 9 during the festive closing event and will also be posted online.
The project ‘Mama Baranka’ is financially supported by the Caribbean Culture Fund. For more information or participation, please contact Joanne (Wintertuin Curaçao) via telephone number +5999 6952810.
Photo caption: Many migrants have come to Curacao with the hope of a better life for themselves and their children.
