St. Ignatius students learn Garifuna

For the children of St. Ignatius Middle School, Social Studies has taken on a whole new meaning. They have the privilege of learning how to talk Garifuna, as well as learn about traditional dances and food. Their teacher, Garry Baltazar, was unemployed up until a week ago, when he approached the principal about teaching a Garifuna language course.

Student #1

“Casa beri?”

Student #2

“You want to know my name?”

Student #1

“Aye. (Yes.)”

Student #2

“My name is Stephon.”

Student #1

“Kemo Stephon. (Come with me.)”

Garry Baltazar, Teacher

“It’s a little bit difficult but they are learning, learning a lot. This morning I came and I say let me do some dance steps and they learn it so fast, so lovely.”

Thelma Martinez, Principal, St. Ignatius Middle School

“We cater for resource personnel to come into the school and to teach about culture. Now it is just appropriate in this month of November, to invite Mr. Baltazar to come into this school, since he’s a very skilled person in the culture, to share his views and his experience and his knowledge with the students of St. Ignatius.

It’s not only the Garifuna children that are participating in this program, it’s also the other ethnic groups… which is encouraging.”

Garry Baltazar

“This is what I like to do and I need some people to help. I need some help.”

The course ends with an exhibition at the end of November in which the students will showcase their newly acquired skills.