Edutainment Event Feb 2012

KASSSI- EDUTAINMENT POSTER

The aims and objectives of this year’s Edutainment Event were in line with the KASSSI‘s aims and objectives: Health, Social Welfare and Education. These were carried through for example; The Westmoreland Health Department was present at the event. Their focussed on HIV counselling, sexual awareness and also issued pamphlets and condoms. It was anticipated that other personnel from Westmoreland Health Department would have provided insight and testing of blood pressure/sugar, cholesterol and hypertension. However, they were unable to attend and sent their apologies.
On Social Welfare, the Social Development Commission (SDC) highlighted the various training facilities and accessibility. Ms Ferguson, the representative, also emphasized entrepreneurship and encouraged the community to take part in KASSSI’s projects for their community’s development. Additionally, Ms Ferguson emphasized the need for sustainable environmental community development and again beseeched the community members to get involved.

On Education, The Jamaica Library Service was in attendance; they displayed and issued out educational materials. They also offered advice to children and families on the importance of reading and learning together. The Librarian also made it clear that she expected a bigger take up of library membership.
The event had cultural input from the three schools that KASSSI currently supports. From Petersville All-Age- Poetry ‘Back to Africa’ by Louise Bennett; Kings Primary- Poetry ‘Uriah Preach’; New Hope Primary and Junior High- performed a skit (HIV/AIDS& Culture).

The special opening ceremony was conducted by Rev. Jackson along with a speech presentation on community upliftment. There were also other gospel inputs. The MC of the event Ras Iyah V is a renowned guest lecturer at various high school and tertiary institutions, both locally and abroad. He provided on-going cultural and historical input throughout the day’s event.

The day’s performers included school teacher and writer, Jean Brown who performed drama, specifically aimed at the children; her performance was one that was engaging and interactive. Also, performer Jah 9, singer, song writer and activist brought a refreshing mix of contemporary and conscious poetry to music.

The National Commercial Bank (NCB) who were unable to attend. However, they supported the event by purchasing tickets. In addition, the local bank manager in Savanna-La-Mar made a personal recommendation to his superiors that KASSSI be considered for more active and sustained financial support in future. The Westmoreland Cooperative Credit Union was able to participate, they displayed products and services aimed at low income families.

Although Sandal Whitehouse European Village and Spa were unable to provide financial support at this time, we were encouraged by their comments regarding our community presence, active participation and drive. Sandals also informed KASSSI that we should approach them in the future with a view to securing funding and support.

Our headline performers were the Trelawny Town Maroons from Accompong State, led by Deputy Colonel Mrs Norma Rowe-Edwards. The group performed cultural dances to the beat of the drums and offered historical information and educated the patrons on the significant role of the maroons on Jamaica’s history by remaining an unconquered people, defeating the British army for 85yrs.

During the day’s event indigenous foods was available: sweet potato pone, corn pone, escovitch fish, bammy, fried chicken and festival, chicken foot soup, vegetarian cuisine- stew peas run -down style, also, vegetables cook down with coconut milk and curry. Cassava and corn flour dumplings with yam and cocoa. Topped off with, special natural June plum with ginger juice.

So far the feedback has been positive from school principals, churches, children and other community members who are looking forward for next year’s event!