Page 12 - AHATA

A15
LOCAL Thursday 26 sepTember 2019

Continued from Page 14 pilot program started at four differ-
ent schools guided by four Aruban
The Amsterdam “Leerorkest" has music teachers, which include: Jane
been transforming lives of children Lanooij-de Cuba, Mayra Kock-Gar-
for over 12 years already. A total of rido, Tica Giel and Jaderick Croes.
3000 children at 18 different schools The program will be supervised by
are part of this growing program in Croes himself who is the initiator of
the dynamic city of Bijlmer, which is the project and has been fighting
known for being a city with increas- for this program to become a real-
ing socio-economic challenges. The ity on Aruba. Croes stands by his
city has been trying different meth- belief that the Aruba “Leerorkest”
ods of improving the lives of families will have a big educational, cultural
and children. Now, because of the and preventive judicial impact. In need to succeed in life and on Creative Islander wishes the CJF
“Leerorkest” program, all 18 partici- the midst of the social crisis Aruba is the job market. all the best with the preparations
pating schools have their own or- facing at the moment, we owe it to of the next event. Also, we wish
chestra and students from all ethnic our young ones to equip them with Moving Forward the Aruba “Leerorkest” all the
and socio-economic backgrounds the opportunities for them to grow Small beginnings can have pow- best with the four pilot projects
are equally represented and are and develop themselves. Music and erful impacts on a society. Hav- on Aruba.
equally provided the opportunity art have proven to help children ing setbacks and encountering We extend an encouragement
to shine. Interestingly, Curaçao also develop creative kills, innovative challenges are what make these to the Aruban community and
implemented their own “Leerorkest” skills, problem-solving skills, diver- evolvements so worth it. More all visitors to attend and support
program two years ago and they sity, open-minded critical thinking, festivals and more children play- these programs and festivals.
have also seen the positive impacts expressive skills, respect, discipline, ing instruments are what can With our continuous support the
of it. Now, it is finally Aruba’s turn. responsibility, teamwork and unity. solidify the Creative Industry not Aruban Creative Industry will
This week on September 23rd the All-important characteristics they will only now but for the future. The flourish.q

Biography – Currently, Thaïs Franken is a 24-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 success-
fully graduated 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, culture and creativity. Next to her academic interests, she enjoys reading, writing, dancing
and cooking.