Arts & Culture Features Eden Lodge Nursery hosts Farmers’ Market Barbados Today24/02/20230224 views Students on tour of the gardens at NHC, Eden Lodge. Eden Lodge Nursery School mimicked Agrofest as its African Awareness Month of activities culminated on Wednesday, February 22. This year, the school made the bold decision to add a twist to its usual “African Awareness” celebrations by merging them with Agrofest. Thus, the birth of the Farmers Market & Heritage Day event at the Eden Lodge, St. Michael institution. The activities were guided by Principal Roseclaire Blades; Senior teacher, Carolyn Jackman-Walters; teacher, Amanda Harewood; Early Childhood Coordinator, Danielle Greenidge-Griffith, and other members of staff. Students touring, observing and identifying plants, herbs, fruits, and vegetables at the nearby National Housing Corporation Depot. Outlining the rationale behind the event, which resembled a scaled down Agrofest and had the taste of Africa, Mrs Blades said: “Our goal was to encapsulate the theme for this term, which focused on animals, plants, flowers, farmers, fruits and vegetables. Throughout the term, students were exposed to the planting of various crops; interacted with resource persons from related disciplines and had the experience of preparing some African and Barbadian dishes, using local produce.” Principal Roseclaire Blades speaking to Reverend Davidson Bowen at the fruit and vegetable stall after he delivered the Ash Wednesday sermonette which took place before “Farmers Market and Heritage Day” activities at the Eden Lodge Nursery School. The entire school grounds were set up with various animals (rabbits, chicks, tortoises, etc.), produce, food items, a mini “green-house”, clothes/household items, a jumping tent and an African Heritage display by Uplift International. At the start of the activities, the tiny tots received a lesson in the planting of crops from local farmer Glenville Blades, who also engaged them in the exercise. They planted yams and sweet potatoes and were instructed about the daily care and growth of these crops. Enthusiastic teacher Anya Holmes and excited students visit the display of African artifacts. Students were adorned in their African clothes, with some females wearing unique African “Bantu knots”. Steelpan and African music could be heard playing in the background as students and parents perused the compound where, with children in tow, they mimicked the “family spirit”, usually seen at Agrofest. Parents also visited the classrooms, observing the displays and taking pictures of their children’s work. (BGIS)