WILLEMSTAD – ACU has recognized Dee-Seany Winklaar and Nekeshia Stefania as the first ambassadors to complete its Youth Ambassador Program, an initiative created to introduce young people in Curaçao to cooperation, leadership and the principles behind the cooperative movement.
The program was launched in 2025 with the goal of raising awareness among young people about the value of working together and the principles that form the foundation of a cooperative.
During a ceremony last Friday, Winklaar and Stefania received special recognition for completing the inaugural program. ACU said both participants invested significant time, energy and dedication in the initiative and represented the program with responsibility and enthusiasm.
According to the organization, the experience demonstrated that when young people are given guidance, trust and space to express themselves, they can take greater initiative in their own development while becoming an inspiration to others.
ACU emphasized that leadership was one of the important lessons of the program, with participants encouraged not only to speak but also to listen, participate, inspire others and take action.
Both ambassadors received a prize of XCG 2,500.
For Stefania, the award has already provided an opportunity to take another step forward: she intends to use the money as an initial boost to start her own business.
ACU said this is precisely the type of initiative it hopes to encourage among Curaçao's youth — recognizing opportunities and developing them into concrete projects.
The educational institutions that participated in the program were also recognized. UOC and SKAIH each received XCG 2,500 in recognition of their participation and the guidance and support they provided to the young ambassadors throughout the program.
Jacqueline Drenthe, president of ACU's Youth Fund Committee, congratulated the participants and thanked everyone who contributed to making the first edition possible.
ACU also expressed appreciation to the Youth Fund Committee members, coordinators, mentors, facilitators, families and others who provided their time, expertise, resources and encouragement during the program.
As the first edition, ACU acknowledged that the initiative also produced lessons that can be used to improve future editions. Experiences, suggestions and challenges encountered during the program will be evaluated with the aim of making the next edition stronger, more inclusive and more impactful.
The organization stressed that the conclusion of the first program should therefore be regarded as the beginning rather than the end of the initiative.
ACU said it intends to continue investing in Curaçao's youth by creating opportunities for young people to develop their talents, express their ideas and contribute to the community.
“Thank you for your trust, cooperation and commitment. Together we have taken the first step. Now, let us continue building the future,” Drenthe said as she closed the first edition of the Youth Ambassador Program.