A group of M3 students at Whitney Institute are completing the construction of a life-size Bermuda Fitted Dinghy in a classroom project led by Design and Technology teacher Neil Phillips with the assistance of tradition bearer and master carpenter Milton Hill.
Tradition Bearers is a joint project in collaboration with the Department of Culture within the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and the Ministry of Education. This project-based learning initiative integrates Tradition Bearers of Bermudian culture into public primary and middle school curricula. The program, accompanied by a study guide, is specifically designed to allow students to learn from these esteemed Tradition Bearers.
Tradition bearers are esteemed community members known for engaging in traditional artistic pursuits or skills passed down through generations within a cultural group. These skills hold significant value within the community, remaining relevant and functional in the present rather than being lost to history.
This initiative aims to share the skills, knowledge, and expertise of Tradition Bearers with young people by incorporating their wisdom into the curriculum of Primary and Middle Schools. Typically, tradition-bearers acquire their skills informally from others within the community through oral traditions or by example, rather than through formal academic or commercial instruction.
Senator The Hon. Owen K. Darrell, JP, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport and senior Education officials visited Whitney Institute to observe the work in progress last week.
Senator Darrell said, “The Tradition Bearer programme holds considerable cultural importance. It is essential for our children to learn and understand the immense value of our culture and heritage and the significance of preserving and passing down these traditions. I enjoyed the presentation and seeing our young people actively engaging in learning about the Bermuda Fitted Dinghy, exploring its history and embracing its rich traditions.”
Commissioner of Education, Kalmar Richards added: “We are excited to engage young people in the trades through STEM education with this partnership. We continue to seek additional collaborations and encourage individuals and organizations to contact Ms Nekesha Holdipp for more information (nholdipp@moed.bm)”.