GARIU Garifuna Language and Culture Summer Camp 2024 Report

Overview

The GARIU Garifuna Language and Culture Summer Camp (GSCLC) took place from July 26 to August 3, 2024, in Seine Bight. The camp ran for one week, with sessions held daily from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Each day included a 15-minute break and lunch provided by Vern’s Kitchen. The camp saw registration of 22 students, with an average daily attendance of 20. On the final day, 6 students were absent due to family obligations. The camp aimed to enhance awareness of Garifuna language and culture while fostering good citizenship.

Objectives and Activities

1. Learning the Garifuna National Anthem

   One of the primary objectives was for students to learn the Garifuna National Anthem, O Wabirien, a call-to-togetherness song composed by Marcelina Beata Lambey. Over the first three days, students learned a new verse each day. The final two days were dedicated to practicing and performing all three verses without prompts or sheet music. The emphasis was on accurate pronunciation and understanding the song’s message. The students engaged passionately with the anthem, demonstrating a strong grasp of its meaning. [Insert video of students singing the anthem at Seine Bight Day opening ceremony on August 16, 2024]

2. Citizenship Virtues

   Citizenship education was integrated through the exploration of eight key virtues: Primacy of God, Deep Love and Respect for Elders, Significance of Family, Strategic Thinking, Self-Reliance, Fearlessness, Resilience, and Justice. Daily small group discussions allowed students to explore these virtues, sharing their insights and demonstrating the impact of practicing or neglecting these values. [Insert pictures and video of group discussions on virtues]

3. Garifuna Language and Songs

   The camp emphasized the Garifuna language, focusing on basic greetings, vocabulary, and songs. Students practiced singing O Wabirien and other traditional songs, drilling the Garifuna Alphabet and counting songs daily. Each day concluded with the “Clean Up Song,” composed two years ago. [Insert pictures and videos of language activities]

4. Reflective Coloring Activity

   Reflective thinking was encouraged through a coloring activity, which helped students develop critical thinking skills and self-awareness. The activity, supported by materials donated by Fragments of Hope, featured marine education themes relevant to the Garifuna community. This initiative linked educational experiences with cultural heritage, enhancing both motor skills and attention spans. [Insert pictures and video of coloring activity]

Acknowledgements

• Lunch Provider: Vern’s Kitchen

• Closing Ceremony Lunch: Seine Bight Village Council

• Facilitators: Mrs. Kimberly Sanchez, Mrs. Jaycee Williams

• Nester Facilitators: Ibime Martinez, Nalijah O’Brien, Chryslyn Williams

• Drummers: Khyree Stevens, Dylan Ramirez

Special thanks to the parents for ensuring their children arrived prepared and on time. We appreciate the support from all involved in making the camp a success.

Saragu Seremein Houn Sungubei. Thank you all.

Date: August 19, 2024

Successful Completion of GARIU Garifuna Language and Culture Summer Camp 2024

GARIU proudly announces the successful conclusion of the Garifuna Language and Culture Summer Camp 2024, held from July 29 to August 2. The week-long camp, hosted daily from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, offered an enriching experience for participants, emphasizing the importance of Garifuna language, culture, and citizenship virtues.

The camp featured a diverse program designed to immerse attendees in Garifuna traditions and values. Each day began with singing Garifuna songs and basic greetings in the Garifuna language, followed by sessions on the meaning of the lyrics of the Garifuna national anthem and key virtues such as the primacy of God, love and respect for elders, family significance, self-reliance, strategic thinking, fearlessness and justice. Participants learned and practiced the Garifuna National Anthem and engaged in reflective activities centered around marine education.

Highlights from the final day included a review of content, a competition for the best reflective coloring activity, and a celebration of the participants’ contributions. The closing ceremony was marked by awards and heartfelt farewells, with a lunch sponsored by the Seine Bight Village Council.

The success of the camp was made possible by generous contributions from various sponsors. The Seine Bight Village Council donated towards the closing ceremony lunch, while 630 Shipping sponsored gifts and prizes. Materials for the reflective activities were provided by Fragments of Hope. GARIU also covered facilitator stipends and other camp expenses, ensuring a seamless and impactful event.

The camp’s facilitators, including Dr. Enita Barrett, Mrs. Kimberly Sanchez, Mrs. Jaycee Williams, and their dedicated team of student leaders from the Indigenous Youth Progress Nest, Ibime Martinez, Chryslyn Williams, Nalijah O’Brien, Dylan Ramirez and Khyree Stevens provided invaluable guidance and support throughout the week. Their efforts, combined with the enthusiastic participation of the campers, made this year’s summer camp a memorable and significant cultural experience.

For more information about the camp and future events, please contact GARIU at enitabarrett@gmail.com or by phone at +501 675 1962