The National Cultural Foundation (NCF) has partnered with Barbadian author Shakirah Bourne to publish Bajan Anansi, a new collection of Anansi tales that will be introduced into school libraries across Barbados.
The NCF said the initiative is aimed at preserving and promoting Barbadian oral heritage while making culturally rooted stories more accessible to students. The project is also intended to connect young readers with folklore traditions that trace their origins to West Africa and the wider African diaspora.
The collection includes stories such as Anansi and Ossie Boar, Anansi and the Cowitch, and How Flying Fish Came to Barbados. Bourne said the work was informed by extensive research into Anansi’s origins in Ghana and its evolution throughout the Caribbean.
As part of the rollout, Bourne will visit schools across the island for live readings and interactive sessions with students. The school tour begins on Tuesday, June 23 at Milton Lynch Primary School at 10 a.m.
She will then visit Grazettes Primary School on Wednesday, June 24, followed by Good Shepherd Primary School on Thursday, June 25, and Springer Memorial School on Friday, June 26. All sessions are scheduled for 10 a.m.
NCF Chief Executive Officer Carol Roberts welcomed the collaboration.
“The NCF congratulates Shakirah on her latest book. Our partnership is intentional as it ensures these powerful stories with embedded life lessons will reach school children across Barbados. Of course, Anansi stories are for everyone and adults are also encouraged to read this delightful book,” she said.
Cultural Officer for Literary Arts at the NCF, Karra Price commented on the importance: “It is incredibly important for young Barbadian children to learn about our intangible cultural heritage in a way that is both entertaining and educational.”
The initiative will see Bajan Anansi distributed to school libraries, with officials saying it is intended to keep Barbadian folklore active within the island’s cultural landscape for future generations. (PR)