Eden Lodge Nursery School mimicked Agrofest as its African Awareness Month of activities culminated on Wednesday, February 22.
This year, the school made the bold decision to add a twist to its usual “African Awareness” celebrations by merging them with Agrofest. Thus, the birth of the Farmers Market & Heritage Day event at the Eden Lodge, St. Michael institution.
The activities were guided by Principal, Roseclaire Blades; Senior teacher, Carolyn Jackman-Walters; teacher, Amanda Harewood; Early Childhood Coordinator, Danielle Greenidge-Griffith, and other members of staff.
Outlining the rationale behind the event, which resembled a mini Agrofest and had the taste of Africa, Mrs. Blades said: “Our goal was to encapsulate the theme for this term, which focused on animals, plants, flowers, farmers, fruits and vegetables. Throughout the term, students were exposed to the planting of various crops; interacted with resource persons from related disciplines and also had the experience of preparing some African and Barbadian dishes, using local produce.”
The entire school grounds were set up with various animals (rabbits, chicks, tortoises, etc.), produce, food items, a mini “green-house”, clothes/household items, a jumping tent and an African Heritage display by “Uplift International”.
At the start of the activities, the tiny tots received a lesson in the planting of crops from local farmer Glenville Blades, who also engaged them in the exercise. They planted yams and sweet potatoes and were instructed about the daily care and growth of these crops, under Mr. Blades’ guidance.
Students were adorned in their African clothes, with some females wearing unique African “Bantu knots”. Steel-pan and African music could be heard playing in the background as students and parents perused the compound where, with children in tow, they mimicked the “family spirit”, usually seen at Agrofest. Parents also visited the classrooms, observing the displays and taking pictures of their children’s work.