Holy Redeemer Primary School’s Culture Day

The various cultures that make up the Belizean society were in full display at the Holy Redeemer Primary School today. Whether you love rice and beans, chow mein or if you can’t resist punta, you could find a taste of the uniqueness of the Jewel. News Five’s Isani Cayetano reports.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

Cultural integration among the many people that make up the Jewel has long been regarded as the pillar which supports its diverse society.  Of the three hundred thousand plus citizens who call Belize their home an array of ethnicity is present.  The importance of assimilation however, is among the many topics taught in the classroom.

Here at Holy Redeemer students are showcasing the various ethnic groups found in the country including the Chinese.

Chloe Auil, Std. 3 Student, Holy Redeemer

Chloe Auil

“We are displaying the Chinese culture.  We have the food, religion, culture, language and the past of how they came here and why.”

While today’s presentations serve as both a history lesson and Social Studies 101 the school’s administrative vice principal, Delsey Young, says the annual exercise gives children a better understanding of racial differences.

Delsey Young, Vice Principal, Holy Redeemer

“Here at Holy Redeemer we teach our children to appreciate culture so we have been doing this culture day for the past four years.”

Daedra Haylock

Since its inception in 2007 members of Holy Redeemer’s Parent-Teacher Association have played an active role in organizing and participating in the exhibit.  Daedra Haylock is one such parent who has been offering her assistance.

Daedra Haylock, Parent

“We started in Standard 1 and what the parents do and as a parent we contact the different cultural groups to get them to participate, people we know to give us things to display and to help us with putting off a good cultural day.  We also support the teachers and the students as they prepare the different games and displays.”

Her daughter Caitlyn is the spokesperson for this particular booth.  Besides hosting a game of trivia she is also knowledgeable about the history of the East Indians in Belize.

Caitlyn Haylock, Std. 3 Student, Holy Redeemer

Caitlyn Haylock

“The East Indians they were from India and they came to Belize as indentured laborers and they were called Coolies but they did not like that name.”

Similarly, her colleague Chloe has learned a thing or two about Chinese cuisine.

Chloe Auil

“Over here is the Chinese food and they eat staple foods and a wide variety of vegetables [and other foods] like the fried rice, the chow mein, the fried soy beans, the tofu fungus soup, steam rice, chop suey, dumplings, noodles [and] fried dumplings, spring rolls, egg rolls, lo mein, fried wanton.  I have learned that the Chinese people here in Belize still, they still celebrate their old ways that they used to in China, like different celebrations.”

On hand to perform for the students was a band comprised of local.  Inside the parish hall it’s buzzing with activity.

Delsey Young

“Very hectic.  I think because of the little band it kinda hyped children a whole lot because once music is around they get all into it.  So I think the band adds a whole lot to it too because you have the Creole and you have the Garifuna drummers and that really adds a lot to it.  So that’s why you see the children around here they are so hyped today.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Isani Cayetano.