Associated Schools Project Network (ASPnet)

In order to translate UNESCO’s ideals into concrete action, UNESCO launched the Associated Schools Project Network (ASPnet) in 1953. The UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet) connects more than 10.000 schools in 180 countries around a common goal to build peace in the minds of children and young people. Through concrete actions member schools promote the ideals of UNESCO valuing rights and dignity, gender equality, social progress, freedom, justice and democracy, respect for diversity and international solidarity. The Network operates at international and national levels with three clear priorities: education for sustainable development, global citizenship education and inter-cultural and heritage learning. ASPnet schools are ‘navigators for peace’ and agents for positive change.

Curaçao UNESCO Schools

Curaçao has four UNESCO Associated Schools Project Network (ASPnet):

Are you also interested to join the network? Find more information in UNESCO Associated Schools Network guide for members,with a publication also in Papiamentu and Dutch.

Projects

UNESCO Schools write!

To commemorate the World Book and Copyright Day on April 23, the project “UNESCO Schools write!” was launched to inspire creativity among students and celebrate the power of literature.

It is a 4-year project where each year one of the UNESCO schools in Curaçao will write and published a poetry book. Students from group 6, 7 and 8 will received creative writing workshops, where they are guided through the process of writing different forms of poetry, including rhymes, short stories, and Haiku. To enhance the project’s appeal, the book also includes student-created drawings, adding a visual element to the literary pieces.

By each publication an amount of 100 book copies is produced, ensuring that every student who contributed received a copy. Additional copies were distributed to the Curaçao National Library, local bookstores, and a digital version was made available for broader access.

The project demonstrates every year its immense value to the school and its students. The students learned to translate their imagination into poetry and artwork, by bringing them joy and built their confidence, proving that with determination they can achieve anything. The project equipped the students with critical skills in creative expression, writing, and illustration, leaving a lasting impact on their academic and personal growth.

International day for Tolerance

To raise awareness among students and to create a more peaceful school environment, every year the Associated Schools Project Network in Curaçao celebrate International Day for Tolerance by learning more about tolerance and intolerance and the differences between cultures.

Year 2024 celebration

After consulting with the school representatives, the need for a workshop to learn students how to practice tolerance at school was identified. Therefore, UNESCO organized a week-long initiative during the second week of November 2024, visiting six schools to promote awareness about tolerance. Each day, a different school hosted an impactful workshop featuring Mr. Gerardus, a prison officer, as the guest speaker. More than 500 students participated in these sessions, which offered valuable insights into the consequences of intolerance and the importance of making positive choices.

The participating schools were:
● Kolegio San Dominico
● Kolegio Don Sarto
● Emmy Berthold School
● J.W.Th. Schotborgh School
● SKAIH
● SKAIH Pre-University

Mr. Gerardus shared his personal journey, discussing what he learned to tolerate and what he would not accept in his life. For older students, he screened a video about life in prison in Curaçao, giving a stark perspective on the negative outcomes of intolerance and poor decisions.
The workshops had a profound impact on students and left teachers impressed. Many educators expressed interest in having Mr. Gerardus return for follow-up sessions on the topic.

The initiative was a resounding success, offering students a life-changing perspective and reinforcing the value of tolerance in creating a positive and respectful community.