By Kisean Joseph
The country’s Reparations Support Commission (ABRSC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, will host its third annual celebration of Africa-Caricom Day on September 27.
The events encourage people to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of African and Caribbean history, geography, economics, and social development.
For 2024, the spotlight falls on four countries: Benin, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Haiti representing the Caribbean. The events will showcase each country’s location, capital, population, national and official languages, political leadership, cuisine, music, cultural expressions, national flag, motto, and anthem.
Ambassador Anthony Liverpool, Vice Chairman of the ABRSC, emphasised the importance of this educational journey.
“We’re providing young people with the opportunity to explore different aspects of information related to African countries,” he said. “This is a crucial first step in creating awareness and helping to dispel misinformation about this magnificent continent.”
Students are encouraged to present their findings through various mediums, including posters, essays, and multimedia presentations. This approach not only caters to different learning styles but also fosters innovation and personal engagement with the subject matter.
One of the most exciting aspects of the initiative is the potential for schools to organise African-themed fashion shows, complete with authentic music from the featured countries. These events promise to be a celebration of culture, allowing students to step into the shoes of their African counterparts and experience a taste of their daily lives.
Another highlight of the programme is the mounting of pictorial exhibitions. These visual displays will offer a window into the landscapes, people, and traditions of Benin, Haiti, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, making the learning experience more tangible and memorable for the young participants.
The ABRSC’s approach to measuring the initiative’s impact is rooted in the belief that repeated engagement leads to deeper understanding.
“The more we do an activity, participate in an activity, the chances of learning become greater,” Liverpool explained. While not focused on academic metrics, the programme aims to build consciousness about African heritage through consistent exposure and participation.
This initiative represents more than just a learning exercise; it’s a bridge connecting young Antiguans and Barbudans to their ancestral roots. By fostering an early appreciation for African and Caribbean cultures, the programme seeks to strengthen cultural identity and promote global understanding among the nation’s youth.
Schools across Antigua and Barbuda will transform into hubs of cultural exploration. Classrooms will buzz with discussions about African languages, corridors will be adorned with colourful displays of traditional art, and school halls will echo the rhythms of African and Caribbean music.
The initiative stands as a testament to the power of education in shaping young minds and building cultural bridges. As these students delve into the histories and cultures of African and Afro-Caribbean nations, they are not just learning about distant lands – they are discovering integral parts of their heritage and identity.
