Petrina Francis, Education Reporter
HENRY-WILSON
THE MINISTRY of Education, Youth and Culture is moving to integrate more culture in education.
Maxine Henry-Wilson, Minister of Education Youth and Culture, recently made the announcement during her contribution to the 2005/2006 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.
"Culture is an important content that we are now trying to weave throughout the curricula from early childhood to tertiary," she said.
Mrs. Henry-Wilson disclosed that culture agents were being trained and deployed in schools to expand children's knowledge through cultural activities.
The Education Minister said through the Culture in Education Programme, schools would be encouraged to develop and promote rituals of good citizenship and positive interaction.
Mrs. Henry-Wilson also noted that her ministry is developing programmes to commemorate important days in the nation's history. Some of these days will include Chinese and Indian arrival days, Jamaica Day, Africa Liberation day, as well as important dates in Maroon and Rastafarian history.
CELEBRATING DIVERSITY
This, she said, would allow children to celebrate "our diversity on a regular scale and so learn tolerance through recognition and acceptance."
The minister said the cultural enrichment programme, which is designed for inner-city schools, seeks to promote actions and activities which will enhance and transform those schools.
The programme, Minister Henry-Wilson said, will promote stronger performing and visual arts offerings, cultural enterprises and entrepreneurship, academic development strategies, exposure to excellence and community animation.
