Marlien Dokman

My name is Marlien Dokman, married Luitjes. I was born in the district of Commewijne, Suriname, and studied at the Surinaamse Pedagogische Instituut, specializing in early childhood education for children aged 4 to 8.

In Suriname, I was involved in a cultural group named Puwema, which focused on raising awareness about the history of slavery. I worked as a teacher in Suriname’s interior, educating children from Maroon communities—descendants of enslaved people who had escaped from plantations. Everything I know about our history of slavery, I learned through oral storytelling from my parents and grandmother, as this vital history was never taught in schools.

I have lived in Aruba for over 32 years. For the past 28 years, I have worked as a teacher with SKOA (Stichting Katholiek Onderwijs Aruba). I moved to Aruba with my husband, who found work here. Together, we built our life, raised two daughters, and today they are both completing their studies in the Netherlands.

In Aruba, I became actively involved with the Surinaams Club, which organizes educational activities and events centered on the historical legacy of slavery. For many years, I have also volunteered with non-profit organizations, especially those focused on community education and empowerment.

I currently serve as a board member of the Plataforma Nacional Herencia di Sclavitud na Aruba (P.N.H.S.A.), where I honor my ancestors and amplify the stories of those whose voices were silenced during the era of Black slavery. As co-founder and secretary of the platform, I am responsible for documentation, community engagement, and building connections within and beyond the island.

Through my work, I strive to ensure not only the remembrance and recognition of our shared past but also the upliftment of future generations through education and truth-telling.

It is my deepest wish that the truths once hidden in secrecy may come to light, and that the people of Aruba are fully informed about the legacy we all carry together.