Basseterre, St. Kitts (November 30, 2005): A strategy to foster greater involvement and improve creativity in Children's Carnival was employed at a one-day workshop at the Fort Thomas Hotel on Tuesday.
An overview of Caribbean festivals, costume drawing and designing elements, construction techniques and other areas were shared with 17 teachers from various pre and primary schools, by facilitator Julian Pollard of St. Vincent.
The workshop was organized by the Department of Youth which is responsible for Children's Carnival. Senior Youth Officer Dave Connor told SKNIS that it is important for teachers to understand the process in making Children's Carnival a success.
"Teachers are the ones who interact everyday with the children who are participating, and they & have the trust of parents and the experience of supervising children," he explained. "Also, the skills that the teachers acquire will be passed on to others within their school and they will be able to help us make costumes in the future."
The department held a similar workshop in 2002. Connor revealed that several persons trained continue to volunteer and play an integral part in the activity each year.
Mr. Pollard, who has a wealth of experience from his 35 years of service in the field, agreed with Mr. Connor's statement. He disclosed that young people must also have an understanding of the event to ensure its survival. It's vital for the children to enjoy what they are doing, understand why they are in the parade and understand the meaning of the parade, he stated, pointing to the cultural showcase of carnival.
Dorothy Caines of the Sandy Point Primary School saluted the organizers of the one-day session. "The workshop was very informative," she declared, indicating a desire to create costumes for a national or community festival. The kindergarten teacher showed an eagerness to share the techniques she learnt with others.
Cable and Wireless presents "It's Game Time Again" Children's Carnival 2005 on December 31. All registration forms must be returned to the Youth Department on Church Street by Friday, December 2.
