WILLEMSTAD – Forty young people in Curaçao, aged 10 to 13, recently completed the first edition of Smart & Strong, a holiday program designed to teach them how to protect themselves from negative influences, peer pressure, online dangers, and sexual abuse. 

The 10-day program was organized by Bos di Hubentut, an organization dedicated to preventing sexual abuse of children and adolescents. Participants took part in interactive workshops on healthy sexuality, children’s rights, sexting, grooming, social media use, and cyberbullying. 

The program also included self-defense training, group discussions, and team-building games aimed at strengthening empathy and emotional control. The initiative concluded with a festive “fun day” and the presentation of participation certificates. 

The curriculum was developed in collaboration with youth doctor Thathianah Rodriguez and sexologist-psychologist Kayla Adames. 

“We noticed that many children feel ashamed to talk to their parents about difficult experiences or questions about their bodies and feelings,” said youth worker Rose-Anne Lopes. “Some fear they won’t be taken seriously, or even that they’ll be punished. As a result, they turn to the internet for answers, where they often find misleading or harmful information.” 

Organizers say the success of the first edition underscores the need for more prevention-focused initiatives to equip young people with accurate knowledge, self-confidence, and the skills to navigate both the real world and the digital one safely.