Eden Lodge Nursery was transformed into a vibrant tapestry of Caribbean culture on Friday, as students donned handmade hats, danced to the rhythms of calypso and soca, and celebrated the region’s rich diversity during the school’s eagerly anticipated Cultural Extravaganza.
The young ones, many of whom wore handmade hats showcasing the vibrant diversity of the Caribbean, were treated to a mix of local music—calypso and soca—pageantry, food and fun. The school grounds came alive with colour, laughter and learning as children, parents and performers came together to enjoy the display of the region’s culture and spirit.
Anya Holmes, a teacher at the school and a member of the Cultural Extravaganza Committee, explained that the event formed part of a year-long initiative inspired by the school’s Early Childhood Coordinator, Bernice Griffith.
“We have been looking at a Caribbean culture aspect where we wanted the children to be engrossed in not only Barbadian culture but the Caribbean in general,” Holmes explained.
Each class was given a culturally themed name such as the Fruitful Farmers, Island Hoppers, Incredible Islanders, Terrific Tourists, Vibrant Vendors, and Dynamic Dancers.
Students bravely embodied their class names through creative hats and costumes, which they helped design and interpret.
“You would have seen some of these class names depicted in the very hats that the students wore, where they did their own interpretation of what their class name meant through hat and costume,” Holmes said.
But the celebration was not just about music and merriment. “The principal’s idea and notion of the Cultural Extravaganza was to make it a community activity where something positive is coming up,” Holmes explained.
That message was echoed by the presence of young, upcoming performer Queen A, a junior monarch who was given the platform and exposure.
“She sang about crime . . . the people not knowing what to do—a very fitting but sad reality that we’re facing,” Holmes said.
The event was also an opportunity to promote inclusivity and disability awareness.
“Here at Eden Lodge, we are a very inclusive school,” Holmes said. “We actually have a little boy currently who attends here, who is in a wheelchair. And then, we also have a few children who are on the spectrum and some who have other learning challenges.”
She added: “To be able to display certain learning abilities through costume was a must. We want the community to know that right here in Eden Lodge, we’re very inclusive. . . and as the times change, we’re seeing more and more children coming into schools who do have learning challenges, and we have to be prepared and ready for that.”
Among the day’s performers was a popular local entertainer.
“We had Black Ice, who is also a parent of one of the students here,” Holmes said.
The school will also include dance in its curriculum during the upcoming school year. “We had a multifarious dance group who will also be coming back in September to start giving our children some dance lessons.” (LG)
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