Kana Huntu
Youth Empowerment Program
Vision
Walking together, generation by generation.
Kana Huntu is a youth empowerment and leadership program that awakens purpose, nurtures character, and rebuilds the bonds of mentorship across Curaçao. It brings older youth and young adults together with younger adolescents in a guided process of study, service, reflection, and joyful learning — restoring a culture of care, unity, and positive influence.
This is more than a program.
It is a movement to accompany the next generation with hope, humility, and strength.
The Challenge & Opportunity
Across Curaçao, young people are growing up amidst rapid social change — shifting family structures, fewer positive role models, and increased isolation dominated by screen time. Many youth yearn for belonging, guidance, and purpose.
At Fundashon Awenyo, we believe Curaçao’s greatest resource is its young people themselves. When empowered, they can become trusted role models, community builders, and agents of transformation.
Kana Huntu responds to this need by reconnecting generations — empowering older youth to mentor younger ones and strengthening the social fabric one relationship at a time.
What is Kana Huntu?
Kana Huntu engages youth aged 16–25 in a year-long journey of:
Training & capacity building
Mentorship, service, and community social action
Weekly small-group accompaniment
Creative expression, story-based learning, and social action
Quarterly workshops & monthly reflection cycles
These older youth, known as Animators, are helped to gradually learn to guide and mentor ‘junior youth’ aged 11–14 in small group settings where they explore themes around purpose and vision, unity in diversity, moral capabilities, character building and virtues, and community contribution.
The result is a vibrant network of young people walking together — learning, creating, serving, and growing in purpose.
Who We Serve
Youth Animators (16–25)
Motivated youth seeking direction and meaningful contribution.
They learn to lead with humility, communicate with clarity, consult as equals, and serve their communities with compassion.
Junior Youth (11–14)
Younger adolescents who benefit from role models and safe spaces to grow. They gain confidence, teamwork, self-expression, and a sense of belonging.
Families & Schools
As youth begin contributing at home and modeling positive behaviors, families experience strengthened communication, patience, and cooperation. Schools & After-school programs benefit from more engaged, resilient, and purpose-driven learners.
How the Program Works
Principles
Empowerment through service, group discussion, team building
Learning through an ongoing dynamic of action and reflection.
Transformation as Youth arise as Protagonists helping others.
Core Activities
A fusion of quarterly full-day training & shorter weekly workshops
Guiding weekly Junior Youth group sessions with Coordinators
Games, arts, storytelling, and discussion
Youth-led service projects in neighborhoods and schools
Monthly reflection reunions with Animators & Coordinators
End-of-year youth showcase of projects & learning
Methodology
Grounded in participatory learning, consultation, moral reasoning, and community-oriented action. Youth learn that leadership is service, and that “helping oneself and helping others” are two parts of the same process.
Learn More & Connect
Have questions or want to explore ways of working with us or supporting our program? Whether you’re a teacher, parent, community organization, or simply want to learn more, we’re here to help.
If you’re a young person ready to join, you can sign up right away using the button below.