AN old adage says: “A child shall lead them”, and that’s precisely what was demonstrated at South Road Nursery School yesterday when the school held its annual Kids’ Display and Exhibition in observance of Commonwealth Day 2015.Pupils from the school’s 12 classes, in a splendid and energetic display, staged scholarly and well put-together presentations depicting the culture, economic and geo-political ways of life of 12 of the 53 Commonwealth countries.

The cute and colourfully dressed pupils were show-stoppers, as, brimming with energy, they proudly depicted the cultural wear of the respective member nations of the Commonwealth.

Guests were also delightfully entertained by dance sequences performed by the children, who ‘did their thing’ as they skilfully sought to give the audience a sneak peek at some dances of the individual countries.

Meanwhile, well researched information was presented, using colourful and highly glazed images on posters prepared by the hardworking staff, in collaboration with headmistress, Ms. Tyefia London and supported by Secretary of the Parent/Teacher Association, Ms. Jewel Bacchus.
The posters highlighted the photographs and names of heads of state; national flags; the countries’ maps; currencies; national wear; national dishes; and key economic activities, among other things – information that primary school students would find very useful.

Mouth-watering cuisine representing some of the most popular national dishes of the respective countries was also on exhibition.

Headmistress Ms. Tyefia London congratulated the efforts and participation of the hard-working teachers and members of the PTA. She said that much work had been put into the exercise – not only in the preparation of posters and teaching of dance sequences, but also in sewing of the costumes and ensuring that the children grasped a working knowledge of the subject matter.

Ms. London said the activity is usually held on the second Monday of March – Commonwealth Day, and is undertaken to equip the children from a very early stage with an understanding of what Commonwealth is all about, and to develop within them an understanding and appreciation of the culture and ways of life of the other member nations.

The Commonwealth of Nations, commonly known as the Commonwealth (formerly the British Commonwealth), is an intergovernmental organisation of 53 members, headed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Home to some 2.2 billion citizens, these diverse countries span Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific. All members subscribe to the Commonwealth’s values and principles outlined in The Commonwealth Charter.

Leaders of member countries shape Commonwealth policies and priorities. Every two years, they meet at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to discuss issues affecting the Commonwealth and the wider world.

Regardless of size or economic stature, all members have an equal say in this august organisation, thus ensuring that even the smallest member countries have a voice in shaping the Commonwealth.

(By Shirley Thomas)