NCF Partners With Shakirah Bourne To Bring Bajan Anansi Tales To Schools

The National Cultural Foundation (NCF) has partnered with acclaimed Barbadian author Shakirah Bourne to publish Bajan Anansi, the first-ever collection of Barbadian Anansi tales, bringing a key element of the island’s oral heritage to a new generation of readers.

Extensive research informed the project, with Bourne exploring Anansi’s origins in Ghana and its journey throughout the African diaspora before creating a collection of stories featuring authentic Barbadian characters and settings. Some stories in the collection include Anansi and Ossie Boar, Anansi and the Cowitch, and How Flying Fish Came to Barbados.

Meet Shakirah Bourne

The project will culminate with the distribution of Bajan Anansi to school libraries across Barbados.

As part of the initiative, Bourne will visit schools, giving students the opportunity to meet the author, participate in live read-aloud sessions, and engage with an important aspect of Barbadian folklore.

The school tour will begin on Tuesday, June 23 at 10 a.m. at Milton Lynch Primary School, followed by visits to Grazettes Primary School on Wednesday, June 24 at 10 a.m.; Good Shepherd Primary School on Thursday, June 25 at 10 a.m.; and Springer Memorial School on Friday, June 26 at 10 a.m.

Bajan Anansi Book Cover

NCF Chief Executive Officer Carol Roberts said the Foundation was pleased to support the publication and distribution of the book.

“The NCF congratulates Shakirah on her latest book. Our partnership is intentional as it ensures these powerful stories with embedded life lessons will reach school children across Barbados. Of course, Anansi stories are for everyone and adults are also encouraged to read this delightful book.”

“I am excited to engage with kids to show the connection between Barbados and Africa and to explore Barbadian heritage and culture,” said Bourne.

Cultural Officer Literary Arts at the NCF, Karra Price, noted that “It is incredibly important for young Barbadian children to learn about our intangible cultural heritage in a way that is both entertaining and educational.”

By placing the book in school libraries and bringing the stories directly to students, the initiative seeks to ensure that Barbadian folklore remains a living part of the island’s cultural landscape for generations to come. (PR)