JIS Brings Heritage School Tour To Trelawny

Students at Granville Primary School and Rio Bueno Primary and Infant School in Trelawny celebrated their heritage through the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Heritage School Tour, held under the theme ‘Our Heritage Endures: Resilient Through Trials: The Story of Jamaica’.

The JIS team recently visited both institutions, where students participated in cultural presentations, games and interactive activities designed to deepen their appreciation of Jamaica’s heritage and underscore the importance of preserving the nation’s traditions.

At Granville Primary, Acting Vice Principal, Olivine Virgo, welcomed the team, noting that the engagement reinforced students’ understanding of Jamaican identity while highlighting the importance of preserving the nation’s cultural heritage.

She said the initiative was important, especially at a time when social media exposes students to a wide range of external influences and cultures.

“In a time when, sometimes, we look in society and see how much other cultures are being infused in ours, and it seems as if the children are losing their way, and we [seem to be] losing the [identity] we are as true Jamaicans, I feel good to know that [the JIS team could have come here,” she said.

Ms. Virgo added that introducing these lessons at the primary level could help students maintain a stronger connection to their heritage, fostering a lasting appreciation for their cultural identity as they grow older.

For one of her students, Kadeja Campbell, the session provided an enjoyable and engaging way to learn about the importance of preserving Jamaica’s cultural heritage.

“The thing that will stick with me is that you can pass on things to new families… new generations,” she said.

At Rio Bueno Primary, Principal, Shawni Wilson Cunningham, welcomed the JIS publications presented to the institution, noting that they will support teaching and learning activities.

She added that the JIS is playing a critical role in schools by exposing students to Jamaican culture, noting that this not only strengthens their appreciation for the nation’s heritage but also contributes to their personal growth and development.

“Retention of our culture is important, and it helps, too, with the behaviour change of our children… so they become more exposed. It transforms their whole lifestyle, and they have more respect and honour for our National Heroes,” Mrs. Wilson Cunningham said.

The importance of passing down traditional practices also resonated with grade-five student, Gabrielle Deer, who highlighted the value of learning traditional skills and customs from older generations.

“I learnt that a way to preserve our culture is to know that when there’s something, such as our grandparents’ food, a simple way to preserve our culture is to learn how to make it and pass it on to the next generation,” she said.