Students, Armstrong (L), O’Loughlin (R), and Taylor (C)
Photo By Erasmus Williams
Basseterre, St. Kitts
October 22, 2008 (SKNIS)
Three UNESCO Small Islands Voice (SIV) students have an opportunity to showcase the culture of St. Kitts and Nevis, and the region, when they take part in a UNESCO Pacific-Caribbean Youth Cultural Exchange.
Makeila Armstrong, Markysa O’Loughlin and Jherez Taylor, all Back Chat participants will be travelling to the Cook Islands in the Pacific from October 27 to November 01, where they will be taking part in a UNESCO Participation Programme. The students were chosen due to their involvement in SIV activities and their interest in exploring different island cultures.
While in the Cook Islands Armstrong, O’Loughlin and Taylor, along with the other participants will give a performance of Caribbean music and dancing at Araura College on Aitutaki Island and at Punanga Nui on Rarotonga Island. Their presentation will include a history of the Caribbean including the Pre and Post-Emancipation era along with the present era. The students will also sing excerpts of King Konris’ “One Song,” recite original poetry, play steel pan and dance.
While on the trip, the Back Chat members will also be expected to exchange experiences about sustainable island living with peers, as well as meet with the Cook Islands National Youth Council to plan a joint activity that can be implemented in both regions in the 12 months after the visit.
They will also be expected to keep illustrated diaries of the visit to share with colleagues and upload on the SIV website, visit sites of interest on Rarotonga and Aitutaki Islands and develop a programme to share their experiences with their peers in the Federation.
Armstrong, O’Loughlin and Taylor will leave the Federation Saturday, October 25, and return Monday, November 03.