Flavours of the Gambia unfolded at The Commonweal School recently when the school held a multi cultural day for year 7. The entire of the year group were off normal timetable to participant in dance, drama, music, art and food workshops.
The students had a thoroughly enjoyable day and learnt about the culture of this unique and friendly country. Many of the artists are from our local Gambian community and came to inform and lead vibrant performing arts related activities.
Music and dance are an integral
part of everyday culture in the Gambia. Commented Dominic Persinger, age 11,
“I now understand more about the Gambian culture like how they live,
their music which is done for different events. I liked the folk tale drama
workshop and the
drums best.”
The folk tale workshop was led by drama specialist Debs Browning using genuine artefacts she had gathered from her recent visit to the Gambia. The students brought a Gambian folk tale to life using props and costumes and things you would find in everyday life in a Gambian market.
Commented Pamodou Sowe from Rhythmworks “The children were very well behaved and were interested in drumming. They understood the cultures behind the drums and had good techniques in tone and slap.”
The food demonstrations were a definite hit. Each class learnt about the different types of vegetables, how they are grown and why they mainly had fish and rice due to the family size, price, plus the unreliable electric system.
“We found the children were very interested and asked a lot of questions about why they ate the food they did. The children and staff found it interesting the way the men and women eat from separate bowls and in different areas and also they have to have permission from the oldest member round the bowl this is due to respect and religion. We told the children that because they were being Gambians for the day they had to eat like the Gambians this meant that they had to eat with there right hand and not there left this is due to the fact that they clean them selves with the other hand some of the children knew the reason behind this and some found it very funny. “ Nicola Dambelly food workshop
Commented Jamie Lewis , age 11, I really enjoyed the Gambian cooking lesson on I have asked Mum if she could go and buy me a water melon for my break times. The bits I enjoyed the most was being able to use my hands instead of a knife and fork and being the oldest so I had to tell the other when they were allowed to eat.”
