About the project – Empowering Women through Art and Inclusion
The FAIS project was a two-week ESC TEAM initiative hosted by Tur Cos Ta Posibel in partnership with the women’s wing of KIA, Aruba’s national prison, and the arts organization Artisa. Building on the success of the earlier AMIS project with the youth wing, this initiative aimed to create a similar positive impact but with a focus on women. Volunteers worked closely with around 15 women residing in the prison, some of whom, aged 18-30, participated as volunteers, contributing equally to the project alongside the ESC volunteers. The project sought to create an empowering environment for both the volunteers and the women, offering a platform for personal expression through art, fashion, and design.
The project’s primary goal was to deliver creative activities that fostered inclusion and provided the women with an opportunity to develop new skills, build confidence, and express themselves through artistic mediums. Volunteers with a passion for fashion, design, and the arts worked alongside the women, helping them explore these fields in a supportive and collaborative setting. In addition to providing practical skills, the project sought to inspire participants and promote empathy and understanding for those facing barriers in their lives, particularly those incarcerated.
The FAIS project was designed to create lasting impacts on both the volunteers and the women of KIA, contributing to a broader dialogue on social inclusion, personal growth, and the role of art in rehabilitation. By fostering creativity and teamwork, the project aimed to empower the women involved, equipping them with new perspectives and skills that could serve them in their personal journeys and beyond.
Partners and funders
The video
Pictures
(Text by our ESC volunteer Tamara)
Fashion design workshop
One of the highlights of the FAIS Project was the ongoing fashion activities 👗👒✂
Residents had the chance to choose their favorite second-hand clothing pieces and transform them into unique, upcycled outfits. From selecting fabrics and colors to tailoring designs that fit their taste and personality, this workshop enhanced their creativity and self-expression.
Not only was it a fun experience, but it also taught valuable skills for an eco-friendly lifestyle, like upcycling and sustainable fashion practices. Their hard work led to impressive results!
Jewelry workshops
KIA Residents attended jewelry workshops led by our volunteers as part of the FAIS Project. Swipe to see more of their beautiful creations!
Activities led by ESC volunteers
We believe solidarity is about mutual learning and growth. In the FAIS Project, workshops were not only led by our volunteers but also by talented KIA residents, creating an exchange of knowledge and skills.
Cooking classes
KIA residents and volunteers came together to cook some delicious dishes. It was such a wonderful opportunity to share their cultures and collaborate side by side 🍽
Making natural cosmetics and clay sculpting to creating vision boards and other crafts
Throughout the FAIS Project, KIA residents explored their creativity and learned new skills: from making natural cosmetics and clay sculpting to creating vision boards and other crafts. These workshops were all about self-expression, learning and also connecting as a community.
Sports and dance activities
Alongside creative workshops, participants of the FAIS Project stayed active with physical exercises like Zumba, self-defense and group workouts. Special thanks to Popcorn Club Aruba for teaching us some fun dance moves! 🕺🏻
Other fun activities
FAIS was not only about delivering workshops. Each day of the project started with KIA residents and volunteers playing fun games together, sharing laughs and connecting. It was a wonderful way to set the tone for collaboration and joy for the rest of the day ✨
Visit to Artisa
A special day during the FAIS Project: for the first time, some KIA residents were allowed to visit Artisa, a local art gallery. There, they met local artists who shared their stories and artwork, hoping to inspire and encourage creative expression. To make the experience even more meaningful, KIA residents and volunteers collaborated on a canvas painting together.
A big thank you to Artisa for this incredible opportunity and to everyone who made it happen! Tur Cos Ta Posibel!
Renovation of the old cooking space at KIA
In addition to the fun activities, volunteers worked alongside KIA residents and specialists to renovate the old cooking space. It’s incredible how, in just two weeks, they completely transformed it into a fresh, beautiful area. The mosaic created during the project was also added to the kitchen, making it even more special. Great job, everyone! 👏🏼
The final day
The last day of the FAIS Project was full of emotions and celebration ✨ The women’s wing at KIA hosted its own fashion show, with residents and volunteers modeling the upcycled clothing they created together over the past two weeks. We were delighted to showcase not only the fashion pieces but also the products made during the project’s workshops.It was an honor to welcome so many visitors, including Minister Rocco Tjon, who joined us to celebrate the incredible work done throughout the project.Thank you to everyone who supported this journey! 🫶🏼
The pre-project guide
FAIS – The Guide by Tur Cos Ta Posibel
Project co-funded by the European Solidarity Corps programme of the European Union 🇪🇺. The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
