500 students in year six at government-run primary schools in the Cayman Islands have enjoyed their last few lessons in the Heritage Arts Programme, which educates students on Caymanian culture and heritage.

The programme, run by Cayman Traditional Arts, had students studying for their final Heritage Arts tests last week finishes in June.

“It’s been a really successful year for us,” said Chris Christian the Programme Director. “We’ve managed to cover a tremendous amount of ground, enhancing young people’s knowledge of Cayman’s rich and vibrant arts, culture and heritage through a variety of different means. In particular, our workbook, which students are completing right now, has been a mine of information for both students and teachers alike. In addition we have showcased student artwork at The Ritz-Carlton, held family fun days, mentored young students and offered teacher’s workshops, helping educators themselves learn more about Caymanian culture.”

Mr Christian explained that they specifically devised the programme to teach Caymanian heritage in a contemporary setting, and ensured the contents of each lesson would be as interactive and relevant as possible. Lessons have also been designed to draw in other elements of the curriculum.

“When we teach the culinary arts we give the students the ingredients necessary to make whatever recipe it is we are studying so they can go home and make the dish with their family,” he advised. “Our workbook has the best recipe for cassava cake on the island!”

Kite building, a popular Caymanian pastime, involves looking at the engineering elements that go into making a kite fly, such as assessing its weight distribution and the length of its tail, he explained.

Mrs Valarie Lindo, year six teacher at North Side Primary, said, the presenters gave demonstrations and practical advice that would help students remember what they have learned. In this way, students wouldn’t lose their heritage, she confirmed.

The Heritage Arts Programme is supported by three separate government ministries, the Ministry of Education, Employment and Gender Affairs, the Ministry of Administration, Tourism and Transport and the Ministry of Health, Sports and Youth and Culture.

Education Minister, Hon Tara Rivers said, the programme, which is about to complete its first ever full school year, has been an exciting and useful addition to the school curriculum.

“The Heritage Arts Programme offers an important opportunity for young people to learn about and experience our traditional Caymanian heritage and culture through arts and crafts. It’s essential that we continue to offer such educational programmes in an effort to preserve and promote an understanding and appreciation of our cultural heritage for future generations,” she said.

For more information please visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/CTA-Cayman-Traditional-Arts/145070528867373

PHOTO: L-r: Heritage Arts Programme Coordinator Blonde Uzzel, Education Minister Tara Rivers, Heritage Arts Programme Director Chris Christian and West Bay Heritage Committee member Billy Banker