YOUNG students aged six to 12 were engaged in an educational and entertaining experience at the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF) Kidz Zone on November 4, under the direction of Amashika Lorne, managing director of Amashika & Associates Limited. Lorne took the initiative to offer free 35-minute sessions to the students attending the JFDF – Meet Street event. Through her CREATE with Aunty Ama workshops, Lorne introduced 160 children to the rich history and culture of Port Royal, the event’s historic location.

During the interactive sessions, the children delved into various aspects of Port Royal’s heritage, including its sea lanes and the goods shipped to Jamaica, the intriguing world of pirates and their operations, the devastating Port Royal earthquake of 1692, and the village’s fishing traditions.

Lorne shared her motivation behind incorporating Port Royal’s history into the workshops, emphasising the importance of embracing opportunities to showcase Jamaica’s cultural richness. She revealed that the idea originated from a special request made by the festival organisers to incorporate the event’s location into the lessons.

In reflecting on her experience, Lorne expressed her desire to inspire other creatives to explore similar avenues. She encouraged fellow artists and educators to recognise these opportunities as platforms to showcase the best of Jamaica’s heritage to diverse age groups. By merging various art forms and cultural elements, Lorne emphasised the potential to create unforgettable experiences for both locals and tourists, thereby contributing to the promotion of Jamaica’s rich history and traditions.

The JFDF – Meet Street event not only tantalised taste buds and entertained visitors but also served as a platform for educational enrichment. Through initiatives like the workshops, attendees had the chance to immerse themselves in Jamaica’s fascinating history.