WILLEMSTAD - Fundashon Ser'i Otrobanda (FSO) is competing to win the Appeltjes van Oranje award (Appels of Orange). With the project Hòfinan Ser'i Otrobanda, community gardens in the neighborhood of Ser'i Otrobanda, the foundation has managed to advance to the second round. Between May 31st and June 9th, everyone can vote for the project to make it to the final round, with a chance to become one of the 10 nominees in the Kingdom. In the final round, three organizations in the Kingdom can receive a prize amount of €35,000 and a bronze Appeltje van Oranje designed by Princess Beatrix.
In addition to promoting healthy eating habits, growing their own vegetables and fruits, and reducing food expenses, the community gardening initiative connects people from different backgrounds and cultures in the neighborhood. The residents themselves plant, take care of, and harvest in their own neighborhood, providing for their own consumption. It serves as a model project for other neighborhoods. The project also organized various planting workshops for residents to cultivate in their limited spaces. As a result, many families now have their own gardens.
Through working together in the gardens, residents get to know each other better, form new friendships, and foster greater understanding and respect among different cultures. The residents are more united, take care of each other, have more social control, and are ready to contribute to other projects such as Clean-up Curacao and Cura Doet. This is truly commendable.
During its 10 years of existence, FSO has organized various projects for the neighborhood. Proudly, they can say that Ser'i Otrobanda is one of the cleanest neighborhoods in Curaçao. The residents and companies in the neighborhood contribute to its maintenance and cleanliness. FSO has several other initiatives to connect the neighborhood residents. Therefore, FSO aims to construct a true bridge to connect the eastern and western parts of Ser'i Otrobanda via Arubastraat. This initiative will improve and facilitate the mobility of the residents, while also serving as a route for tourists to enjoy the social and artistic developments on both sides of Ser'i Otrobanda.
With the Appeltjes van Oranje 2023, the Oranje Fonds rewards initiatives that contribute to an inclusive community where no one is left behind. The foundation is happy and proud to have reached the second round of this prestigious award. It is a recognition of the work done to connect residents with each other and stimulate social relationships within the neighborhood.
With the Appeltjes van Oranje 2023 award, Fundashon Ser'i Otrobanda hopes to invest more in the neighborhood and not only connect its residents with each other but also attract more visitors and tourists, thereby contributing to the economy of Curaçao. FSO also hopes that this initiative will receive more recognition and inspire other organizations and regions within the Kingdom to start similar projects.
This award depends on votes, and the more votes the foundation receives, the greater the chance of becoming one of the 10 nominees and possibly being among the 3 finalists. An invitation is extended to the entire population of Curaçao to vote for Hòfinan Ser'i Otrobanda. Voting can be done between May 31st and June 9th. The voting link will soon be announced through the press and social media.
Photos: Various pictures of the Ser'i Otrobanda gardens, showcasing the care, cultivation, and harvest of the Ser'i Otrobanda Gardens.