Amashika Lorne’s colouring series for children gets Reggae Month endorsement & corporate boost

In February 2020 and again in February 2021, I had the incredible opportunity to partner with the Reggae Month Secretariat of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport in Jamaica for a series of children’s activities centred around Jamaican culture, creativity and learning through art.

What made this partnership especially meaningful was the innovative way we were able to connect with children and families during a time when creative solutions mattered more than ever. Each Thursday, colouring pages and Zoom details were published in the Learning Corner of the Jamaica Observer, allowing parents to simply purchase the newspaper, prepare the activity sheets, and have their children join me online free of cost on Saturdays for an engaging cultural colouring session.

These sessions became more than just art activities. They were opportunities to introduce children to the richness of Jamaica’s musical heritage through reggae. Together, we explored instruments used in our music, celebrated reggae icons, and encouraged children to learn about the culture in a fun, interactive and age-appropriate way. Through colouring, conversation and creativity, we were preserving pieces of our heritage for the next generation.

I am especially proud that this initiative was the only child-focused event featured on the official Reggae Month calendar during those years. That distinction meant a lot to me because children are such an important part of preserving our culture and ensuring that our stories, music and traditions continue to live on.

This experience also reinforced something I deeply believe: sometimes you have to be creative in your approach to achieve meaningful results. Partnerships do not always have to look traditional. By combining print media, virtual engagement, education and culture, we were able to create an accessible experience for families across Jamaica. It was a true example of collaboration and community impact.

I would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the team at the Jamaica Observer, especially Kesi Archer, Editor of the Learning Corner, for believing in my vision and supporting the initiative from the very beginning. Her willingness to come onboard and help bring these activities to life played a major role in their success.

I am also incredibly thankful for my hardworking support team — Danyielle, Shalina, Ashley and Devika — whose dedication behind the scenes helped make each session possible. Their time, energy and commitment never went unnoticed.

And of course, a very special thank you goes out to all the children and families who participated over the years. Your enthusiasm, creativity and joy made every session worthwhile. Seeing children connect with Jamaican culture through art continues to inspire me and reminds me why this work is so important.

As I reflect on these Reggae Month partnerships, I remain grateful for the opportunity to contribute to cultural preservation in a way that was educational, creative and accessible to children. It remains one of the most meaningful collaborations I have been a part of, and I look forward to continuing to create experiences that celebrate Jamaican culture for generations to come.

Link to te full article from OurToday News:

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