55th anniversary of Centro di Bario Noord (CBN): a community, solidarity, and dedication celebration!

ORANJESTAD— This year Centro di Bario Noord (CBN) commemorates its 55th anniversary, an achievement that demonstrates not only the resilience of the organization but also the crucial role that it plays in our community.

For more than five decades, CBN has been a communication, culture, and development source for Noord society and its surroundings.

What is the role of CBN in the community?

CBN is more than just a neighborhood center; it is also the base where people meet and grow, and social cohesion is created through community programs.

By organizing (or facilitating) activities for younger people and older adults, such as educational programs and cultural events, CBN has been able to contribute greatly to:

  • Social integration (connection between generation and culture);
  • Language development (via workshops, lessons, and creative projects);
  • Community Support (a safe place for vulnerable groups).

Vision & Mission

  • Vision: An inclusive society where everyone can participate regardless of age or background;
  • Mission: Create opportunities for personal and collective development by working together and with community involvement.

The commemoration of this jubilee would not be possible without the dedication and contribution of all their volunteers, board of directors (past and present), CBN staff, and all their partners.

For that reason, CBN gives a special thanks to:

  • All CBN volunteers: your heart and soul are the CBN engine;
  • Board of Directors: for your leadership and vision over the years;
  • CBN staff: your work is essential and highly appreciated;
  • Partners: for their support and for believing in CBN;

Structural users of CBN:

  • Chikitin Bin Bin
  • Grupo Uni
  • Grupo Flor di Bini Bini
  • CBN Baseball
  • CBN Volley
  • CBN Domino
  • Youth Power 

All form the solid foundation of CBN existence. Most of these organizations have been using the facility for over 40 years.

CBN annually organizes different cultural and educational activities, such as

  • National Anthem and Flag Celebration;
  • Dera Gay harvest festival;
  • Carnival of Noord (and also participates in Oranjestad and San Nicolas);
  • Fair and Haunted House Halloween activity;
  • Various lectures;

Bario Unico (Unique Neighborhood)

With the support of their partner Cede Aruba and coordinated by CBN program leader, Mrs. Ligia Croes Roza, CBN organizes interactive and educational programs such as

  • Cuarta lessons (musical training for young people);
  • Theater lessons (musical training for young people);
  • Folk Dance Lessons provide musical training for young people;
  • Storytelling (training of children from 4 to 6 years);
  • Papiamento lessons (adult training and integration).

There are also partners such as 131 Telephone for Youth, with whom CBN has crystallized the project of Best Dad Ever. 

Another partner is “Movement is Life,” where they jointly offer the program “Art for 60 plus,” which focuses on older adults and vulnerable groups.

Over 100 people of all ages participate in the various CBN projects and visit the neighborhood center weekly.
CBN is a well-attended center where everyone is welcome.

55th anniversary of Noord Neighborhood Center.