In June 2025, the Colombian Consulate approached Mr. Carlos Croes, Vice President of Fundacion Lanta Papiamento (FLP), with a request to organize a basic Papiamento language course for Colombian immigrants as part of their integration process in Aruba.
The course was developed within the framework of the “Casa de Colombia” project, an initiative designed to offer a range of cultural activities for Colombian immigrants living on the island.
Fundacion Lanta Papiamento gladly accepted the request. Two certified Papiamento instructors and FLP members — Mrs. Melina van der Linden (Bach.Ed.) and Mr. Cesar Kelly (MEd.) — prepared and delivered the course.
The course officially began on September 1, 2025, and concluded on December 8, 2025.
A total of 29 participants graduated, all of whom expressed strong interest in continuing to a higher level of Papiamento proficiency.
According to instructors Van der Linden and Kelly, the participants were highly motivated and fully committed to completing their assignments. While most entered the course with little to no prior knowledge of Papiamento, by the end they were able to speak and hold understandable conversations in the language.
The Board of Fundacion Lanta Papiamento congratulated the graduates on their perseverance and achievements. There is a strong possibility that FLP will organize one or two follow-up courses for this group. FLP also expressed its appreciation to the Colombian Consulate for the trust placed in the foundation.
Fundacion Lanta Papiamento continues to work toward its mission of promoting the acceptance, preservation, and proper use of Papiamento across all sectors of society.
Photo Credits : https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/general/fundacion-lanta-papiamento-a-contribui-na-proyecto-casa-de-colombia-di-consulado-colombiano
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