Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, Patrick Todd

“In any country where the vast majority of the population is of African descent, African Studies should be taught, lest we deny the youth the opportunity to understand where we came from and where we are going.”

These sentiments were expressed recently by Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, Patrick Todd, at the opening ceremony of the ‘Let’s Celebrate Afrika’ Presentations, at the Coleridge and Parry Secondary School, Ashton Hall, St. Peter.

Stressing that the presentation was part of the African Studies component of the Social Studies Curriculum, Minister Todd reminded the audience, which consisted of representatives of various primary and secondary schools, that African history did not begin with the slave trade.

“Today we remember not only the extreme suffering that millions of enslaved Africans endured, but also their resilience and unswerving resistance as they fought to maintain their dignity, a strong sense of community and their rich cultural traditions. Although many lives were lost in their quest for human justice, this did little to suppress the spirit and passion of our forefathers,” he pointed out.

The former teacher urged students to remember the contributions of the National Heroes as they recognised Black History Month. “As we celebrate the accomplishments and the contributions made by Africans, let us remember our own National Heroes and the many unsung heroes across our island who nurtured our children, gave life and meaning to our communities and shone brightly by their deeds,” he said.

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