WILLEMSTAD – Kolegio Prof. Dr. Alejandro Paula (KAP) will celebrate its 85th anniversary on Friday, September 18, marking a major milestone for Curaçao’s oldest senior secondary school. The celebration will also mark the successful completion of the restoration of the school’s historic building after two years of work.
Under the theme “Generation after generation, one home. 85 years together on the journey,” KAP will reflect on its long history while looking ahead to the future.
For 85 years, the school has educated and prepared generations of students to take their place in Curaçao society. According to KAP, the anniversary is therefore about much more than the history of an educational institution. It represents thousands of personal stories involving students who discovered their talents, friendships that lasted for decades, teachers who inspired young people and a school community that helped shape Curaçao’s future.
Throughout its history, KAP has undergone numerous changes. Educational systems have evolved, departments have been expanded, adapted or renovated, and the institution itself has changed names over the years.
Despite these changes, the school says its distinctive identity has remained intact: a warm, open and liberal educational environment in which students are at the center. The personal approach, family atmosphere and strong sense of community that have traditionally characterized the school remain important parts of KAP today.
For many former students, KAP represents more than the building where they received their education. It is where they spent formative years, developed friendships, matured and began shaping their future. The school says those memories, experiences and values often remain with students long after graduation.
The September 18 celebration will bring together current students, staff members, retirees, alumni, parents and partners from within and outside Curaçao’s education sector.
The event will also officially launch a full anniversary year. During the coming months, KAP plans to organize a series of activities highlighting different groups within the wider school community. The goal is to give everyone with a connection to KAP an opportunity to participate in the 85th anniversary celebrations.
A major part of Friday’s program will be the official completion of the restoration of KAP’s historic school building. After two years of work, the entire building has been renovated and will formally be handed back to the KAP community.
The school says the restoration preserves an important part of Curaçao’s educational heritage while creating a connection between its past, present and future.
Following the official opening, students will participate in a varied program focusing on history, identity and unity. Workshops will introduce students to the life and work of Prof. Dr. Alejandro Paula, after whom the school is named, while also allowing them to learn more about the institution’s history.
Students will also work together on an artwork intended to symbolize KAP’s values, traditions and future, as well as its 85 years of existence.
The anniversary day will conclude with a festive program for students, combining social activities, creativity and a celebration of their shared school history.
KAP says the anniversary is ultimately intended to honor not only the institution itself, but also the thousands of people who have written its history over the past 85 years and those who continue to do so today.
For 85 years, Kolegio Prof. Dr. Alejandro Paula has been among Curaçao’s prominent educational institutions. The school describes its mission as providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment, emphasizing students’ overall personal development and preparing them to become active, professional and socially engaged citizens.
“Generation after generation, one home. 85 years together on the journey.”