– The New Amsterdam Secondary (Multilateral) School is bringing joy to the community

The New Amsterdam Secondary (Multilateral) School’s (NASS or NAMS) Industrial Technology Department has been transforming the landscape around the school and the broader community with the students’ skills and talents. The department often executes unique and creative construction projects, proudly displayed on the school’s Facebook page. The teachers take pride in showcasing their students’ abilities through practical work.

For this festive season, the department embarked on a journey to create innovative Christmas props for the school and community, aiming to spread holiday cheer to everyone who interacts with their projects. The department is headed by Tamesh Mohabir, alongside teachers Adrian Somar, Arthur Sweinie, Aaron Somar, and Randini Ramdharry.
The department offers a range of courses, including Industrial Arts, CVQ Metal Work, Construction and Electrical Installation, and Design Technology, among others, for students from grades 7 to 13.

For Christmas, the department designed and built three major projects:
1. Five-Point Stars – Symbolising the Star of Bethlehem, guiding the way to the birthplace of Jesus.

2. 3D Nativity Props – Life-sized representations of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the manger, and animals of the nativity scene, bringing the Christmas story to life for visitors.
3. A 12-foot-tall Christmas Tree – Erected for the New Amsterdam Secondary Christmas Tree Light Up event, adding a grand festive touch to the season.

The two five-point stars and the nativity scene props were created for the New Amsterdam Mayor and Town Council’s Christmas Village. The nativity scene props were crafted under the supervision of Tamesh Mohabir. Meanwhile, Adrian Somar led the construction of the two five-point stars and the 12-foot Christmas tree, which became the centrepiece of the school’s Christmas Tree Light Up event.

Speaking to Pepperpot Magazine, Mohabir shared what inspired these projects:
“In early November, Mrs. Shoba McIntosh, the Mayor of New Amsterdam, reached out to me asking if my team could assist in creating designs and props for the Christmas Village. Later that same day, our PTA teacher representative, Miss Condolita Jervis, also contacted me about the need for a Christmas tree for the NA Multi Xmas Light Up event. At first, I couldn’t provide an immediate answer, as I needed to consult my team. November is typically one of our busiest months, with graduation events, SBA deadlines, and inter-school sports all demanding attention,” he explained.

After discussing it with the team, they concluded that while the timeline was tight, the Christmas project’s value in spreading joy and creating lasting memories for the community—especially for children—was worth the extra effort.

“We knew it was a special project, and we were committed to completing it, no matter how packed the schedule was,” Mohabir said.
The students’ reaction to the initiative was overwhelmingly positive.

“The students were absolutely thrilled! I think they were even more excited about working on these Christmas projects than on their actual SBA projects,” Mohabir said.
The Christmas season’s symbolism of hope, joy, and renewal fuelled the students’ enthusiasm. Mohabir described the experience as heartwarming, seeing the students come together, pour their energy into their work, and create something meaningful for the community.

Grade 11 student Aditya Deodat shared his thoughts:
“Participating in making props for the Christmas Village was a deeply fulfilling experience. The process allowed creativity and teamwork to take over us. Creating these props provided a sense of the story of Christmas and its message of hope, love, and faith,” he said.

This was the department’s first time working on projects of this scale, and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Looking ahead, they plan to continue collaborating with the New Amsterdam Mayor and Town Council on future Christmas Village projects, including additional props and decorations.

They also have plans to partner with the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club for the 2025 Rose Hall Town Christmas Village, with Hilbert Foster already reaching out to initiate discussions.
Beyond holiday-themed projects, the department aims to establish a sustainable initiative by producing handcrafted items for sale.

“We plan to start producing custom furniture such as tables, chairs, spindles, and bed frames, as well as metalwork pieces like grills, gates, mailboxes, and even cake pans,” Mohabir said.
Their goal is to create a self-sustaining department that provides ongoing opportunities for students while enhancing the community with their craftsmanship.