Seventy children from Grantley Adams Memorial Secondary School, along with teachers and relatives, are undertaking a major cultural trip to Panama this August 11 to 18.
It was the brainchild of Mary Thompson, who teaches Office Administration (OA) and Electronic Document Preparation Management in the Business Studies Department. A promised trip overseas to the OA class soon snowballed after it was recommended that it be opened to the whole department.
Now, they are in a race to raise as much funds as possible – $2500 per person covers airfare, accommodation, breakfast, transfers and transportation.
Tomorrow, the first major fundraising activity will be a fair at the school at Blackmans, St Joseph. Other events include the Under-19 Fete at Cricket Legends of Barbados in Fontabelle, St Michael next Thursday, from 5 p.m., the last day of the school term.
“The fete is an inter-school DJ competition. It is the last day of school. So, we’re trying for the students not to go into town and get themselves into trouble.
“No school clothes, because I think it’s unlawful for students to be in school uniform after a certain time.”
Thompson said several sponsors have come on board, but they are still extending an invitation to corporate Barbados to assist the school. She said at least 15 students in the group were in need of financial assistance.
The educator explained the importance of the overseas learning opportunity.
“Some of these kids have never travelled, and will never travel unless they go with us. I have literally worked on passports for some kids who never had a passport, who never travelled,” Thompson said.
“I don’t want to bring up sad stories, but not all of us are as fortunate as most. Some of us do need help along the way. Many of them, a good few of them, this is their first time even on a plane. So, you can understand from there, to Spanish and seeing another culture.”
Several tours are planned, including a trip to the Panama Canal, where children can learn about its history and the Barbadians who helped build the waterway.
There will be tours to the Embera Village to see the indigenous group, to the Biodiversity Museum and City of Knowledge as well as a formal dinner.
Thompson said at least one Spanish-speaking member of staff would be in the group and they have paid careful attention to the student-adult ratio, including among the males. (SAT)