More than 70 primary-school aged students are going on adventures across the islands this summer through a ‘Culture Keepers’ initiative organised by Cayman National Cultural Foundation.
In partnership with several local cultural institutions, the summer initiative, being held through 29 Aug., engages students to explore and learn Cayman’s art, heritage and culture.
With their interactive printable activity booklet or ‘cultural passport’ in hand, students can fill it out by visiting each partnering organisation. Students receive a stamp in their ‘passport’ for every organisation they visit, and those who collect all of the stamps will officially be crowned ‘Culture Keepers’ with a celebratory pin.
Students have the chance to learn about local history, traditions, and people through stories and symbols. The activity book allows students to colour, draw or answer questions related to specific cultural or historical sites.
Commenting on the experience so far, a 10-year-old told the Compass, “It’s [so much] fun because you get to earn something when you are done and you have tasks to do once you get there – and you learn stuff once you get to the places.”
Another participant said, “It was fun because the iguanas were calm, and the tour was nice. We also got to use the passport, and it was great. Me and my friend got to drink nectar. The passport told us to draw our own adventure path, and it was super fun to do.”
Rita Powell, head of education, research and grants at the cultural foundation, told the Compass, “The Culture Keepers programme is another step toward connecting our children to their heritage. By encouraging meaningful exploration through the arts and our history and environment, this initiative empowers students to become advocates of their communities.”
She added, “We are especially proud to support and showcase the many institutions working with us this year. All of these institutions play an essential role in preserving and protecting our culture – ensuring that Cayman’s youngest citizens not only learn their heritage but proudly carry it forward as empowered ‘Culture Keepers’.”
Leanna Jervis, communications officer for the Cultural Foundation told the Compass, “Last year’s programme was highly successful, and we are anticipating an even larger turnout this year.”
Along with new institutions coming on board this year, including the Cayman Brac Library, Cayman Brac Department of Tourism, and the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, the Cultural Foundation added in a press release, they have expanded its involvement to include the F.J. Harquail Theatre, to complement its sister site, the Mind’s Eye Centre.
The Cayman National Cultural Foundatio confirmed one of partners, the Cayman Islands National Museum, will also incorporate the initiative into their camp this summer.
Students from across the islands are invited to participate.
You can pick up the activity booklet at Foster’s Supermarket CNCF offices or the Mind’s Eye Centre. For more information, call the CNCF at 949-5477.
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