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| Infants Teacher at Charles F. Broome Memorial Primary School, Heather Cave showing her young charges some African drums as she relates their influence in today’s society.(C. Pitt/BGIS) |
A legacy to be protected!
This was the sentiment expressed by at least two schools today as activities to mark African Awareness Month concluded. ??
The two schools – Charles F. Broome Memorial and Bay Primary – where students and teachers, dressed in African garb displayed numerous artefacts, art work, jewellry, food and research materials -deemed the Month?? a success.
Coordinator of the Open Day in the Infants Department at Charles F. Broome Memorial, Heather Cave, in recounting the hard work put in by the children to make African masks, jewellry, drums and other items, said: "We want children to see that being African is something to be proud of…that knowing where we have come from is important so that we can go forward and chart a better future for the next generation…
"We have a legacy and we must protect it. We wanted them to learn that we can all do our part to safeguard our future, now, and for the next generation.?? At the end of the day, we want children to appreciate their blackness and not think that they are less than anybody else. We want them to take that pride forward and demonstrate it in their work as we strive to protect that legacy."????
At Bay Primary, there was a parade through the streets and donations to the Geriatric Hospital as well as to two elderly persons in the community. Principal Marielon Gamble explained: "It’s important that our children learn where we have come from. They need to know of the different stages and the important contributions and legacy of our fore parents. We need them to be able to pass that on."
Noting that the integration of African Awareness studies on the curriculum of primary and secondary schools was "a good thing", Ms. Gamble, whose school is celebrating 100 years of its existence, indicated that such teachings would ensure continuity of information and awareness.
"Even with the children researching topics on African history, we find that it helps to get the parents involved and by extension this keeps them (parents) connected to the school," Ms. Gamble stressed.