Stichting Rancho Marks 15 Years with Afro-Descendancy Symposium at University of Aruba
ORANJESTAD (AAN): Stichting Rancho will host a mini-symposium on Afro-descendancy at the University of Aruba on April 20 as part of its 15th anniversary celebrations, bringing together academics, cultural practitioners, and community members for a day of dialogue on heritage and identity.
The Symposium Will Focus On
Foundation president Clifford Rosa described the period from 2025 to early 2026 as one of new developments that have opened opportunities for the organization’s future. The month of April has been set aside for a series of cultural and educational activities centered on heritage preservation.
The symposium will focus on academic exchange, awareness, and practices related to the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, with particular emphasis on the importance of Afro-descendancy within Aruban society. The event forms part of an ongoing academic exchange between Aruba and La Guajira and is funded by the Herdenkingscomité Slavernijverleden, which supports projects addressing the history of slavery and its social impact.
The morning session features presentations from specialists across multiple disciplines. Invited speakers include Dr. Viola Heutger (participating virtually), linguist Ramon Todd Dandaré, Maria Isabel Cabarcas Aguilar (lawyer, social worker, and cultural manager from La Guajira), Martin Lopez Gonzalez (social psychologist, Fundacion Evolucion Afro), Guillermo Ojeda Jayariyu (writer, visual artist, and Wayúu Palabreros), and Benedicta Deogratias (University of Aruba human rights specialist).
Following the presentations, the afternoon will shift to a participatory community session with workshops and dialogue aimed at identifying challenges and opportunities surrounding Afro-descendancy in Aruba.
Additionally, on April 29, Sticht
Following The Presentations, The Afternoon
ing Rancho will partner with Fundacion InspirArte Aain for a cultural trip to La Guajira titled “Back to the Roots,” designed to strengthen connections with Afro and Indigenous communities in the region.
“The connection with our roots is fundamental to understanding our identity and to building a more conscious future,” Rosa said.
