During the Easter vacation, students of Naparima Girls’ High School (Forms 3 to Upper 6) participated in the 2019 Dominican Republic and Panamá cultural immersion programme. For students of History and foreign languages, this educational trip gave them the opportunity to be exposed to the history, culture and language of these two Spanish-speaking countries. Therefore, the privileged students who took part in this tour certainly experienced learning beyond the walls of their esteemed institution.
Throughout this academic venture, there were daily visits to touristic sites of historical significance such as Alcázar de Colón and the Museo de las Casas Reales. Such an experience enabled our students to gain a new perspective of History where they realized that it is a living subject and recognized its importance in the shaping of our Latin American neighbours legacy. The students visited the Panamá Canal where they saw the operations of this spectacular site as ships passed through this waterway from one point to the other. Here, students gained a true appreciation of the great contribution of our Caribbean nationals in the construction of this amazing site and thus, developed a better understanding of their fellow Caribbean people.
Moreover, this educational trip afforded students the opportunity to interact with native speakers on a regular basis. For example, students had to speak Spanish in everyday situations to request service or to ask questions, putting their language skills to the test. Also, students were able to immerse into the religion, cuisine and culture of these two Spanish-speaking countries. For instance, their attendance at the Palm Sunday Mass at La Altagracia Church and their dance classes where they learnt to dance the meringue and bachata. Also, cultural night shows exposed them to the local cuisine and traditional dance styles of the Panamanian and Dominican Republic people.
Without a doubt, this tour was a memorable and life-changing experience for our NGHS students. Special thanks to Miss Bastien and Miss Foster, the two teachers who had the vision to bring about this experience for our students and worked hard at planning and organizing this wonderful opportunity for them. Special thanks also to Mrs. Kumar and Miss Basdeo for their assistance on this trip. Thank you to our tour coordinators, Miss Charmaine Croll-Singh and Mr. Bramwell Shepherd, managing directors of Exciting Destinations Ltd., a tour company specializing in the promotion of cross-border opportunities among the islands. Last but not least, a special thank you to Mrs. Carolyn Bally-Gosine and Mrs. Karen Bally for their administrative support with foreign travel approvals required for the Ministry of Education.
The NGHS tour party, anxiously waiting for their flight to DR/Panamá at Piarco Airport
The official visit of the NGHS tour party to the Consulate of Trinidad & Tobago in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
The NGHS tour party, meeting with dignitaries of the T&T Consulate in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Cultural Night Show at Atarazana Restaurante, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Group shot of the NGHS tour party as they tour the Old Panama City
Group shot of the NGHS tour party at Panamá Vieja
The beautiful city of Panamá at sunset
