Primary schoolchildren across the island are getting back to their African roots as part of the Ministry of Education’s African Awareness activities.
Bay Primary again had a particularly elaborate programme, thanks to senior teacher Jennifer Sealy, who is also the artistic director for Dancin’ Africa.
As such, the children not only dressed in traditional African gear but took part in a parade around the community, complete with shaggy bears, a Mother Sally, a stilt walker and a small green monkey, portrayed by four-year-old Phoebe Gittens. In addition, the group made stops at the Geriatric Hospital, the Joan Arundell Day Nursery and two elderly members of the community to distribute gifts.
As happened last year, rain delayed the parade but could not stop it as the festivities got under way as soon as the showers abated.
Sealy said this was the fourth year the school celebrated its African Awareness Day on such a grand scale.
“I am extremely happy to see parents who have gone beyond the call of duty to dress their children in African gear and to make them aware of their African descent,” she said.
Sealy said the programme also included storytelling, stick licking, warri, exhibits and African-themed foods.
Principal Marielon Gamble said the African-themed activities, which the children participated in for the past two weeks, would help them when they moved onto secondary school and study history in greater detail. (CA)
