R.I.P.P.L.E.S.
COMMUNITY PROJECT
Revival of Important Principles and Practices to Lessen Evil
in the Society
(A project to implement a cultural retrieval with and
for the children of Bequia)
Bequia
traditionally was a network of families. Everyone was typically
related in one way or another. Respect for the elders was one
characteristic that held the society together. Hard work, teamwork,
self-sacrifice, courage, responsibility, loyalty, faith and
community spirit were other qualities that contributed to the
kinship of this small island population.
However,
as a result of materialism and the exposure to foreign cultures
through television and other electronic media, as well as other
factors, the state of society has declined, and features a generation
of functionally-illiterate workers, a high rate of teenage pregnancy,
and widespread alcohol and drug abuse.
This
project seeks to reverse the decline in family values and to
target the children at risk with a musical and cultural expression
programme that focuses particularly on drumming and developing
self-esteem.
Read
a newspaper article and
the project report and see
how the project is already beginning to make a difference.
March
2006: The RIPPLES Group were the proud winners of a silver
medal at the Digicel Concert, click
here to see photos.
July
2006: RIPPLES and Sandwatch teams conduct a beach
clean-up at Lower Bay and find treasure
August
2006: RIPPLES group
bridges the generation gap by bringing the young and the
old together to share music, songs and stories.
August 2006: RIPPLES visit
to the indigenous Radio Garifuna
October
2006:
RIPPLES participated in celebrations
on the 27th anniversary of Independence. Children successfully
put on a performance presenting a captivating journey from colonization
and slavery to independence. They have also been trained to
play drum which will allow them to show/present their talents
in their respective schools.
December
2006: RIPPLES participated and contributed to the cultural
diversity at the Community
Lighting Festival.
