BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE dying art of kite making came under the spotlight yesterday (Mar. 31) when the National Carnival Committee and members of the Craft House held a one-day Workshop for children from the St. Christopher Children’s Home.
The Workshop, which was facilitated by the Craft House, was the Committee's way of giving back to children in St. Kitts, and as such the St. Christopher Children’s Home was chosen as the charitable organization.
Fifteen youngsters between the ages of eight and 18 years were afforded the opportunity to make kites in varying shapes and sizes.
“We wanted to give them an opportunity to learn new things. And we thought that the best way to do it, specifically that this is around Easter, is to have a Kite Flying Seminar and a Fun Day which will be held on Saturday, April 2,” Jade Johnson, the Carnival Point Person on other activities said.
She noted that the Committee collectively knew that the circumstances of the children are not the best and it was thought that they deserved to be included “in all things”.
Asked why the Workshop was held after the Easter celebration, it was said that the Workshop could not have been facilitated because the children were in school during the last two weeks leading up to Easter.
Chairman of the National Carnival Committee Noah Mills explained that the initiative formed part of the body’s push to develop the Carnival Brand year round.
This formed part of the image put forward by outgoing Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Carl Herbert, Mills said.
He pointed out that it was laid out that Carnival should not only be a time for fun but also for social development, education and other forms of learning.
“Hence, we decided to partner with the Craft House and they were very eager when we visited several weeks ago to work with the Carnival Committee. Then we sought out a special set of individuals who are present at the St. Christopher Children’s Home,” Mills explained.
Like many other individuals in the Federation, General Manager of the Craft House Austin Weekes indicated that culture in St. Kitts and Nevis is dying a slow death.
He showered praise on the Carnival Committee for the part they are playing in reviving kite making among the younger generation.
“It is really a pleasure for us to participate with this simple but very important act,” he said.
The Carnival Committee will be hosting a number of initiatives throughout the year leading up to the 2016/2017 activities. Last month (March) was dedicated to Miss Talented Teen and the reigning Junior Calypso Monarch.
Back in February, National Carnival Queen Orngel Erskine treated the residents of the Cardin Home to a Valentine's Luncheon.
