Secondary Teachers review Trans-Alantic Trade

The local committee set up to spearhead activities as this country joins millions over the world to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade is targeting teachers, in their bid to make young people more conscious of their history.

On Monday March 19, a workshop for teachers of history in Secondary Schools was held at three locations simultaneously, one on the Windward side of the Country, another on the Leeward side and at the Peace Memorial Hall in Kingstown.{{more}}

The workshops addressed issues relating to the Abolition Act, the human trade itself as well as the struggles to obtain emancipation.

The workshop at the Peace Memorial Hall took the format of a video presentation, featuring a documentary on the slave trade, giving the History Teachers a vivid depiction of some of the horrors that took place during slavery.

Committee Member and a History teacher herself Decima Alexander-Hamilton said it is their hope that sensitizing the teachers to the critical issues which surround the commemoration will lead to a society that is more aware of its history.

Minister of Culture and Deputy Chairperson of the Committee, The Hon. Rene Baptiste who addressed the opening of the workshop at the Peace Memorial Hall said “the process of public awareness and education is very pivotal in the whole exercise to mark the bicentenary of the abolition of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade.”

Minister Baptiste said it is critical that the young population, especially those at primary and secondary school understand what history is and how it is applicable to their living circumstances in the society today. She added that the young people can only learn what they are taught and that is why it is essential to pass on the history of the events of slavery.

At the end of the workshop some of the teachers expressed their satisfaction, noting that it was an eye-opener which will enhance the way they present History Lessons in the classrooms. Committee Member, Randy Boucher hailed the workshop as a tremendous success, noting that the teachers came up with a lot of valuable contributions to keep the young people interested in their history.

Meanwhile activities to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade continue on the 25th of this month, the actual day of the commemoration, with a massive concert at Argyle dubbed Songs of Liberation.

The Lecture series will also continue at the Peace Memorial Hall, the next one taking place on the 27th. The general public is invited to be a part of these events. (API)