The new activity book, ‘Beloved Cayman Islands, Heroes and Symbols’, takes readers on an illustrated journey of Cayman’s rich history, culture and heritage through its national heroes and symbols.
John Gray High School counsellor Christopher Murray, who helped compile the book, told the Cayman Compass that over the last two years as he was presenting to one class in particular, he noticed a number of students were “not as familiar with their historical and cultural knowledge”.
“Throughout the period of presenting, I had to be printing various materials each week and have the class do ongoing projects. The thought of compiling a booklet with all the desired information in it would help create a progressive learning tool for the students to do reflection work.”
To increase appreciation of culture and community, Murray, who is also a founder of the Boyz2Men non-profit organisation, said, “it is important to capture the history of any people. In order to appreciate someone, you must know where they’re coming from. This book should help provide clear shoulders for children to aspire to, stand on, and help to recognise what heroes and heroines look like.”
Compiled by Murray and Richard Wildman, senior school improvement officer at the Department of Education Services as well as a former high school principal, the 36-page activity book includes illustrations of Cayman’s heroes and heroines and national symbols, with information on each. Kids will be required to unscramble words, complete word searches, and do matching activities. Former John Gray High School student Owen Harris illustrated the book.
Calling his experience working on the book “amazing”, Harris said, “It provides a fun and interactive way to learn about Caymanian history. I’m excited for Caymanians, younger Caymanians in particular, and even non-Caymanians to engage with it and learn about the national heroes and national symbols of Cayman,” he told the Compass.
“Illustrating this book and was a chance for me to use my artistic skills to contribute to Caymanian society. I’m very proud of it, and I’m excited to see where this project goes,” he added.
Murray said the process was “most enlightening”.
“Each step became a refreshing learning opportunity that caused a heightened interest and value for the Cayman Islands,” he said, adding, they “quickly embraced” the idea of creating an illustrated activity book. “I knew immediately who could help to materialise the idea, as I’ve had the privilege of writing a previous book with the assistance of this same student.
“I then shared the idea with Mr. Owen Harris, a past student at John Gray High School and with Dr. Richard Wildman, my co-author, who then immediately moved into motion. Dr. Wildman became very instrumental in creating and organising the activity section of the book.”
Murray hopes readers will “experience a greater appreciation and a heightened value for the beautiful Cayman Islands”.
‘Beloved Cayman Islands, Heroes and Symbols’ can be purchased at Next Chapter in Camana Bay.
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