The OASIS Game training project brought together young and old who wanted to make a long-term contribution to their community and at the same time to other communities on the island. At one time, the activities attracted up to 80 people.
For 2013, those who took part will have the challenge of getting others involved in the grassroots community effort for 2013. The Dutch Quarter participants choose a slogan, "Our Community, Our Oasis (a place of Hope), the Power is within us, Dutch Quarter United."
Various activities were organized: cleaning of the pond near a supermarket; children painting murals while the women took care of preparing the food.
Many community stakeholders took part, such as the community police, manager of the Dutch Quarter community center, teachers, and sport coaches, members of the community council, property owners, firemen, and the young folks on the bloc.
The community came to the realization that a lot can be accomplished by themselves with the help of neighbors and others if everybody comes together. The working plans of the Dutch Quarter community that started in the last two months of 2012, but will continue in 2013 are to complete the pond and the playground; clean and beautify some streets, working towards building a soccer field and developing more places for fun and sports.
A core group of approximately 15 persons have acquired the status of the Dutch Quarter OASIS Games Team Players who received certificates early December. The Dutch Quarter Community Council (DQCC) according to one of the project coordinators Ron Oei, was a key link that was involved in the preparatory phase of the process.
The DQCC has also facilitated the process during the past two weeks and Oei and his team hopes that other community councils will follow suit.
The Dutch Quarter community have come together and to build their dream for their neighborhood.
The OASIS game originates from the favelas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In early 2012, OASIS games were organized on Curacao and Bonaire.
The European Development Fund is funding this initiative through USONA.
PHOTOS:The series of photos shows the community coming together.