What a great Jamaica Day at Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School! On February 3, 2017, The New Orleans (LA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated partnered with Bethune to bring our signature brand of service while impacting and enriching the lives of students at Bethune. We opened the students’ global vision and imagination and introduced them to the world of Jamaica – Jamaica’s history, culture, traditions, geography, cuisine and its youth.
In an interactive discussion, the students were introduced to historical facts about Jamaica; the pride and resilience of Jamaican people; famous Jamaicans such as Usain Bolt; and, the similarities between New Orleans and Jamaican culture.
Ms. Charline K. Gipson, a local New Orleanian and proud Jamaican, led the discussion and question and answer session about Jamaica.
The Chapter also wanted to impact the lives of Jamaican children and, to that end, the Bethune students participated in a Pen Pal activity. Postcards, created by local artist Karen T. La Beau, were distributed and the students wrote very creative and heartfelt notes to the Jamaican students at Watford Primary School in Jamaica.
Lastly, there would not be a Jamaican experience without a tasting of the country’s cuisine. Boswell’s Jamaican Grill donated lunch for the students. The menu included Jamaican peas and rice, jerk chicken, salad, New Orleans King Cake, and Ting (a Jamaican beverage).
Thank you to Bethune, its staff and our generous donors.
INTERNATIONAL TRENDS AND SERVICES
The mission of the International Trends and Services facet is to expand the global platform for programs designed and developed to service the educational, health and cultural needs of people of African descent throughout the world. All programmatic components of the facet are delivered through measurable and sustainable service delivery methods that reach women and their families.
The foremost goal of the International Trends and Services facet is to provide opportunities for tangible service in other countries. Our “boots on the ground” approach provides for more personalized methods for assisting and improving the lives of women, children and men worldwide through long-term programs committed to empowerment and public policy leadership in advocating for social justice.
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