This contest tests the participants’ ability to translate words, phrases, sentences, and proverbs from standard English to Garifuna.

In this Contest, each school is represented by 2 students. Ten primary schools participated in 2024. The participating schools were as follows: St. Joseph R.C. School from Barranco Village; P.G. Methodist School, St. Peter Claver R.C. School, St. Benedict RC School and Bethel Seventh Day Adventist School from Punta Gorda Town; St. Alphonsus RC School from Seine Bight Village; Richard Quinn Primary School from Georgetown Village; Holy Family RC School from Hopkins Village and Sacred Heart Primary School and Gulisi Community Primary School from Dangriga Town. This year’s contest was extremely competitive, with a 3-way tie for second place and a two-way tie for third place.

2024 Primary School Garifuna Translation Contest Winners winners were as follows:

The prizes awarded are as follows:

Prizes for Participants:                    

1^st Prize                        1 Mini Laptop and 1 bicycle

2^nd Prize                       1 Tablet and $100.00 Savings Account

3^rd Prize                       1 Tablet and $75.00 Savings Account

4^th Prize                       1 Tablet and a $50.00 Savings Account

5^th Prize                       1 Tablet and a $25.00 Savings account

Consolation Prizes      $50.00 Savings account

Celia Martinez Award**        Celia Martinez Plaque

Prizes for Participating Schools:

1. $25.00 for each participant that the school provides for the contest
2. $100.00 to the school of the 1^st place winner
3. $75.00 to the school of the 2^nd place winner
4. $50.00 to the school of the 3^rd place winner

We are thankful to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology for providing one bus to each school to attend the event and to the following persons for providing the Laptops, tablets, and bicycles for the prizes: Dean Pollard, Raju’s Variety Store, Herman Flores, Sandra Flores, Richard Cacho, and Garreth Herbie Clarke.

First-place winners of the Primary Schools’ Garifuna Translation Contest for past years are as follows:

This contest is an initiative under the Battle of the Drums Garifuna Language retrieval strategic objective, and it is also an initiative under our Garifuna Language in Schools program led by the Battle of the Drums and the National Garifuna Council.

~End of Release~

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The launch of the Garifuna Language in Schools Program is a testament to the collaborative endeavors between the National Garifuna Council and the Battle of the Drums Secretariat. By implementing this program in selected communities of Barranco, Punta Gorda, Georgetown, Seine Bight, Hopkins, and Dangriga, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to safeguarding and revitalizing our ancestral language for the benefit of present and future generations.

The event saw distinguished guests, including the Minister of Human Development, Families, and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia, who expressed her ministry’s full support for the Garifuna Language in Schools Program. She reaffirmed the indigenous identity of the Garifuna people in Belize and the need to provide support the keep the culture intact. Also in attendance was the Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology, Dr. Hon. Louis Zabaneh. He highlighted the importance of the 2001 UNESCO declaration that recognizes the Garifuna Language, Dance, and Music as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”, the significance of the Garifuna Language in Schools programs, and its alignment to the macro-competency number 5 of the national curriculum of the Ministry of Education and pledged his support to this vital initiative.

Reflecting on the occasion, the President of the Battle of the Drums, Darius Avila expressed regret that such an initiative wasn’t undertaken earlier but expressed delight that this pivotal moment has finally arrived. He also reminded us that as Garinagu “we have a collective obligation to be engaged in the preservation of our culture”.

President of the National Garifuna Council, Sheena Zuniga, underscored the importance of preserving cultural heritage through the transmission of the ancestral language to future generations. “Our dedication to reclaiming Garifuna as the language of the home is paramount,” stated Zuniga. “We recognize that the survival of our language hinges upon its transmission to our children, and we urge Garifuna parents to embrace this responsibility wholeheartedly.”

See the ceremony in its entirety here: Watch Now

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Celebrating the Participants: Five high schools proudly participated in the 2022 High Schools Battle of the Drums:

1. Sadie Vernon Technical High School
2. Delille Academy
3. George Town Technical High School
4. Independence High School
5. Toledo Community College

Each of these schools brought their unique style and energy to the stage, making it a memorable event for all who attended.

Objectives of the Event: The High Schools Battle of the Drums serves several important purposes:

1. Showcasing Youth Talent: The event provides a platform for high school students to showcase their talents in Garifuna drumming, singing, and dance.
2. Cultural Exchange: It brings together youths from different parts of Belize, allowing them to interact and engage in a positive cultural experience. This fosters cultural exchange and strengthens their sense of community.
3. Self-Sustainability: The event aims to generate funds that can be reinvested in future editions of the High Schools Battle of the Drums, ensuring its self-sustainability.
4. Cultural Preservation: Funds raised are also used to support Garifuna cultural retrieval projects in participating high schools, preserving and passing down cultural traditions to the next generation.
5. Talent Pool: High Schools Battle of the Drums creates a talent pool that can participate in the Annual (Adult) Battle of the Drums Competition and Show, ensuring the continuity of this cultural celebration.

The Winners and Their Achievements: The event’s climax was the announcement of the winners, who demonstrated exceptional skills and passion for Garifuna culture:

1st Place – Independence High School: Independence High School took home the coveted 1st place, along with a cash prize of $500.00. They also received 1st Place medals, a pair of Garifuna drums, and a trophy valued at $800.00, making their victory even more special.

2nd Place – Delille Academy: Delille Academy secured the 2nd place position, earning a prize of $400.00 and 2nd Place medals. Their dedication to preserving Garifuna culture shone through their performance.

3rd Place – Georgetown Technical High School: Georgetown Technical High School claimed the 3rd place, winning $300.00 and 3rd Place medals. Their impressive display of talent delighted the audience.

Special Awards: In addition to the top three schools, several individual awards were given out to recognize exceptional talent:

• Best Chumba Performance: Georgetown Technical High School received a special award of $100.00 for their outstanding Chumba performance.
• Best Wanaragua Dancer: Erei Ramos of Independence High School was awarded $100.00 for being the Best Wanaragua Dancer, captivating the audience with his dance moves.
• Best Sisira Player: Steven Valentine from Delille Academy was recognized as the Best Sisira Player, receiving a well-deserved $75.00 prize.
• The Best Gayusa Award: Georgetown Technical High School won the Best Gayusa award and received $50.00 for their remarkable performance.

Support for All Participants: While some schools achieved top honors, every participating school received recognition and support. Other schools received consolation prizes of $200.00, and all schools were granted $50.00 each to contribute to their uniforms. This inclusive approach ensures that every school can continue to participate and thrive in the High Schools Battle of the Drums.

The 2022 High Schools Battle of the Drums was a resounding success, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Garifuna people and the remarkable talents of Belizean high school students. This event not only serves as a platform for youth to showcase their abilities but also as a means to preserve and nurture their cultural traditions. It promotes unity, positivity, and self-sustainability, enriching the lives of those who participate and attend.

The High Schools Battle of the Drums is a shining example of how cultural events can empower young generations, ensuring the preservation of cultural traditions for years to come. We eagerly look forward to the next edition, where even more youth will have the chance to shine and keep the heartbeat of Garifuna culture alive in Belize

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1. Stann Creek Ecumenical High School
2. Delille Academy
3.  George Town Technical High School
4.  Independence High School
5. Julian Cho Technical High School
6. Toledo Community College
7.  Wesley College
8.  Maud Williams High School

The objectives of this event are as follows:

1. Allow high school-aged youths to compete in a meaningful way while showcasing their talents in the expressive art of Garifuna drumming, singing, and dance;
2. Provide a forum for high school-aged youths from different parts of the country to interact with each other while engaging in a positive cultural experience and environment;
3.  Generate funds that will be re-invested in the High Schools Battle of the Drums thereby making itself sustaining;
4. Generate funds that will be used to pursue various Garifuna cultural retrieval projects in the participating high schools;
5. Provide a talent pool that will provide future participating groups for the Annual (Adult) Battle of the Drums Competition and Show.

The winners of the High Schools Battle of the Drums are as follows:

1st Place – Independence High School who won $500.00, 1st Place medals, a pair of Garifuna Drum & a trophy valued at $800.00

2nd Place – Georgetown Technical High School who won $400.00 and 2nd Place medals

3rd Place – Delille Academy who won $300.00 and 3rd Place medals

Best Chumba Performance – Independence High School, who won $100.00
Best Wanaragua Dancer – Leroy Gonzalez from Ecumenical High School, who won $100.00
Best Sisira Player – Steven Valentine from Delille Academy, who won $75.00

Independence High School, Delille Academy, and Georgetown Technical High School tied for The Best Gayusa Group award. They will share $150.00 Other schools received consolation prizes of $200.00. All schools received $50.00 each for contributions to their uniforms. The High Schools Battle of the Drums is an activity under the Garifuna drumming, singing, and dance strategic objective of the Battle of the Drums Garifuna Cultural Retrieval and Preservation Initiative.

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In this Contest, each school was represented by students from 7 primary schools as follows: from Toledo District: St. Joseph R.C. School of Barranco Village; St. Peter Claver Primary School, P.G. Methodist School, St. Benedict R.C. School from Punta Gorda Town; St. Alphonsus R.C. School from Seine Bight Village; Richard Quinn Primary School from Georgetown Village and Holy Family R.C. School from Hopkins Village.

The winners for this year’s contest are as follows:

St. Benedict RC school
Tiana Arzu – 1st Place

Holy Family R.C.
Clifford Castillo – 2nd place

St. Benedict RC school
Naivi Shal – 3rd place

P.G. Methodist School
Lawrence Tillet – 4th place

Holy Family R.C.
Lynnae Lewis – 5th Place

The Annual Battle of the Drums Primary Schools Garifuna Translation Contest is an activity of the Battle of the Drums Garifuna Language retrieval and preservation program.

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High Schools Battle of the Drums featured the following high schools

1. Stann Creek Ecumenical High School
2. Delille Academy
3. George Town Technical High School
4. Independence High School
5. Julian Cho Technical High School
6. Toledo Community College
7. Wesley College

The objectives of this event are as follows:

1. Allow high school-aged youths to compete in a meaningful way while showcasing their talents in the expressive art of Garifuna drumming, singing, and dance;
2. Provide a forum for high school-aged youths from different parts of the country to interact with each other while engaging in a positive cultural experience and environment;
3. Generate funds which will be re-invested in the High Schools Battle of the Drums thereby making it self-sustaining;
4. Generate funds that will be used to pursue various Garifuna cultural retrieval projects in the participating high schools;
5. Provide a talent pool that will provide future participating groups for Annual (Adult) Battle of the Drums Competition and Show.

The winners of the High Schools Battle of the Drums are as follows:

1^st Place- Ecumenical High School who won $500.00, 1^st Place medals, a pair of Garifuna Drum & a trophy valued at 800.00*

2^nd Place- Delille Academy who won $400.00 and 2^nd Place medals

3^rd Place-Independence High School who won $300.00 and 3^rd Place medals

Best Chumba Performance – Delille Academy, which won $100.00

Best Wanaragua Dancer – Raheem Ramos from Independence Hgh School, who won $100.00

Best Sisira Player – Marion Lewis from Delille Academy, who won $75.00

Other schools received consolation prizes of $200.00 each as well as $50.00 each for contribution to their uniforms.

The High Schools Battle of the Drums is an activity under the Garifuna drumming, singing and dance strategic objective of the Battle of the Drums Garifuna Cultural Retrieval and Preservation Initiative.

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The Goal of the camp is to assist in developing a more climate change resilient culture by fostering a sense of environmental awareness in the participants. This will be done through presentations and workshops which will be provided by various conservation organizations.

The objectives of the Camp are as follows:

1. To identify and share best practices in conserving, preserving and protecting our environment;
2. To provide a forum for participants to learn the Garifuna names of various plants and animals in our environment;
3. To learn Garifuna songs whose lyrics teach about our culture’s interaction with the environment;
4. To instill pride in our environment and culture as well as self-esteem in young Garinagu.

The Battle of the Drums Summer Camp 2019 will culminate with a visit to the Garifuna village of Hopkins, where the participants will be exposed to the Garifuna way of life in that community.  The Battle of the Drums annual summer camp is being financed from proceeds of the Annual Battle of the Drums Competition and show as well by in-kind and cash donations made by generous partners such as Oceana, Southern Environmental Association, Japan’s International Cooperation Agency, BTIA-Toledo, James Bus Line and Romero’s Charters and Tours, among others.

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First Place winners of the Primary Schools’ Garifuna Translation Contest for the past 8 years are as follows:

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The annual Battle of the Drums Summer Camp was held during period July 30^th to August 4, 2018 and targeted children and youths between the ages of 5 to 18 years old.  Over 90 children and youths attended the Camp. The camp was held under the theme, “Lirasa Garifuna – Chülühali daan lun Lareidahoun” (which means, “The Garifuna Culture – The time has come for it to be preserved”).  The objectives of the Camp were as follows:

1. To provide a forum that will allow participants to learn about the Garifuna Culture;
2. To provide a forum for participants to learn the Garifuna language;
3. To transfer skills to young people in the making of craft to generate income;
4. To enhance participants’ knowledge of and singing of Garifuna songs and skills in Garifuna drumming;
5.  To instil self-esteem and pride in young Garinagu.

During the Camp, participants will be engaged in lessons in the Garifuna Language, Garifuna craft making, Garifuna singing, drumming and dance and Garifuna spirituality.

 The Battle of the Drums annual summer camp is being financed from proceeds of the Annual Battle of the Drums competition and show as well by in-kind and cash donations made by generous donors.

The Battle of the Drums Secretariat extends its sincere appreciation to the main organizer of the Camp, Teacher Josephine Terry, the various facilitators, participants and their parents and to all who provided in-kind donations.

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