The Ministry of Education’s St Patrick Education District is using culture as a teaching tool, giving students an opportunity to explore African history, traditions and their own cultural identity.
The St Patrick’s district oversees schools throughout the southwestern peninsula of Trinidad, from Icacos to San Fernando.
On Wednesday, the district hosted an Emancipation event featuring African rhythms, traditional wear, dance, storytelling and other cultural experiences.
Minister of Education Dr Michael Dowlath lauded the event, noting the effort it took to organise.
“Through music, through the movement that you will see, the dance, through the storytelling, through the cultural experiences you’ll be exposed to. And so may we continue to remember where we came from, understanding who we are, and let us have that courage and wisdom to determine where we are going as a people.”
Minister Dowlath noted that the Emancipation celebration allowed students and educators to immerse themselves in aspects of the country’s multicultural society.
“This is an experiential learning for all of us. As educational leaders, your school supervisors, your director, your principals, and that is what educational experience is supposed to be about. I want to say to you students, that you become more intelligent every time you allow yourself to accept a new idea.”
Meanwhile, the featured speaker at the event, School Guidance Counsellor Andy Matamora, offered the students some heartfelt advice.
“In order for you to start disrespecting me, you have to first change my name. In order for me to start abusing you, I have to change your name. So don’t accept any bogus name. It doesn’t matter what people call you, it is what you answer to. So don’t answer to foolish names. Guard your name well. Your name is associated with your identity. Do not allow people to rebrand you.”