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LOCAL Thursday 21 March 2019

Culture & Creativity our Identity

Continued from Page 14 The Creative Islander wants to congratulate all
organizations that in one way or other help pre-
The active participation of people in local cul- serve Aruba’s cultural heritage. Also, to all the
tural activities (such as poetry, dance, sculp- winners of this year’s “Un Canto pa nos Himno y
ture, theatre, music, etc.) improves their quality Bandera” and “Poeta di Patria”. Thank you for
of life and well-being and enhances opportuni- contributing with your talent and creativity. To
ties and options of any community. Aruba is rich the entire Aruban community, to all Arubans liv-
in all art forms and activities that represent the ing abroad, to all who have made Aruba their
love and dedication for its heritage. home, to all who just love the island; “Felis Dia
The month of March is a cultural month filled di Himno y Bandera”. For us in the Netherlands,
with activities such as “Poeta di Patria” (poetry the celebration starts this weekend.
festival) and Festival “un Canto pa nos Himno
y Bandera” (song festival dedicated to the All Aruban students and professionals residing in
Aruban flag and anthem) etc. Talented Aru- the Netherlands are coming together this Sun-
bans of all ages and backgrounds participate a tradition within our community. A beautiful day for the annual “Aruba Dag” (Aruba Day)
to contribute to preserving the islands cultural presentation filled with music, dance, poetry festival. We too will have the opportunity to
heritage and to enrich these practices with in honor of those who fought for our liberty. So, cohesively pay tribute to our Aruba and all her
the community. Over the years these festivals CCIs make cities more livable, providing the achievements over the years. In the words of
have grown and the awareness should con- hubs and many of the activities around which Betico Croes; “Libertad, nos Identidad!” (liber-
tinue starting with the young generation. Not citizens develop friendships, build a local iden- ty, our identity). In my words: “Creatividad, nos
to forget the cultural manifestation that is also tity and fulfillment. Identidad” (creativity, our identity). q

Biography – Currently, Thaïs Franken is a 23-year-old Aruban student at the University of Maastricht (UM). She
is studying a Master of Science in Public Policy and Human Development in collaboration with the Unites
Nations University (UNU). Back home, on the beautiful island of Aruba she completed her Bachelor of Arts in
Organization, Governance & Management (OGM) at the University of Aruba (UA). She successfully gradu-
ated and defended her thesis titled “Placing Culture and Creativity at the Heart of the Aruban Sustainable
Development” on July 6th 2018. Thaïs is very passionate about topics such as sustainability, innovation, cul-
ture and creativity. Next to her academic interests, she enjoys reading, writing, dancing and cooking.