Marlien Dokman

My name is Marilen Dokman, married Luitjes. I was born in the district of Commewijne, Suriname. I studied at the “Surinaamse Pedagogische Instituut”, where I specialized in teaching children between the ages of 4 and 8.

In Suriname, I was actively involved in a cultural group named Preferu that was connected to events related to the slavery period. I worked as a teacher in the interior regions of the country, where I taught children from Maroons communities—descendants of enslaved people who had escaped from plantations. I learned everything I know about the history of slavery from my parents and my grandmother. These lessons were passed down through generations, as this history was not taught in school.

I have been living in Aruba for 32 years now. For the past 28 years, I have worked as a teacher with SKOA (Stichting Katholiek Onderwijs Aruba). I moved to Aruba because of my husband, who had found work here. We built our life together, and we have two daughters who are currently completing their studies in the Netherlands.

In Aruba, I became involved with the Surinamese Club, which organized activities related to the historical legacy of slavery. For many years, I have also volunteered with non-profit organizations, where I contribute to the successful acquisition of funding for various community projects. I am also a board member of Plataforma Nacional Herencia di Sclavitud na Aruba (P.N.H.S.A.), an organization where I honor my ancestors and aim to be a voice for those who were silenced during the period of Black slavery. As a co-founder and serving as the secretary of P.N.H.S.A., I am responsible for documenting meeting minutes, ensuring follow-up on action points, and building strategic connections within and outside the platform.

Through my work, I strive to contribute not only to the recognition and remembrance of our history but also to the empowerment and development of descendants of enslaved people in Aruba and beyond.

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