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Co-Founder and Chairman of The Maria Holder Memorial Trust, Christopher Holder and Senator Dr. Romel Springer, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, explore the new state-of-the-art technology at the Barbados Museum & Historical Society – Jairus Brewster Children’s Gallery.

State-of-the-art Children’s Gallery opens

The Barbados Museum & Historical Society has a new state-of-the-art offering for young visitors and their families.

The Jairus Brewster Children’s Gallery, a partnership with The Maria Holder Memorial Trust, was officially launched  yesterday at the BMHS’ Headquarters, St. Ann’s Garrison, St. Michael.

This dynamic, interactive gallery offers many opportunities for children to understand the world around them through a Barbadian lens, by interacting with technological and interactive exhibits which appeal to their senses and even lends to the development of their motor skills.

“This Children’s Gallery is a collage of exhibits of the environment, energy, wildlife, engineering, health, and body. It’s an education fill, to fill the minds of those who want to pursue it. The Jairus Brewster Children’s Gallery was designed to put the powerful tools of education into your hands, who are our tomorrow,” Trustee of The Maria Holder Memorial Trust, Mary Brewster expressed.

“We all know that technology today has afforded us a tsunami of information. But there is nothing like sightseeing with your family, friends or even classmates live in person. Parents, guardians, caregivers, I appeal to you today, now and even more urgent, to grasp every single moment you can with your children – come and visit the Jairus Brewster Children’s Gallery which was created with you in mind.”

The Gallery has been named in memory of the charity’s co-founder Chesterfield Brewster and his wife Susan’s late son, Jairus.

According to Chairman and Co-founder of The Trust, Christopher Holder, “We tend to name everything that we do for Barbados after our loved ones who have gone before us. And this museum, we decided that it should carry the name of my co-founder Chesterfield Brewster’s late son. For me, remembering a child, for something that is here for children, is extremely special, and I hope many people get lots of joy out of what has been given to this nation.”

Holder also noted The Trust’s education push throughout Barbados with its schools’ project. In fact, he revealed that a new school at Government Hill will be opened at the beginning of next term, and other schools are currently being built.

“Education is so important – the children of today are our future,” he stressed.

President of the Society, Sir Trevor Carmichael expressed appreciation to the Board of Trustees and Executive Staff of The Maria Holder Memorial Trust for their generous contribution to the redevelopment of the Children’s Gallery.

The Society’s first Children’s Museum was opened in 1945. However, in 1992, the exhibition ‘Yesterday’s Children’ opened, which showed what life in Barbados was like through the years for children, including traditional toys, crafts, and more. Though well-loved, this gallery required an update to better serve today’s children.

“This is not only a special occasion, but it is a historic one. It is historic because it recognises a donation to this museum which is huge in financial scope. It’s deep and sincere in its generosity, and it’s culturally and educationally far-reaching in its scope, and potential.

“I therefore seek to put this impressive gift – a gift of true and tested skill; a gift from an organisation well-grounded in its philanthropic focus – I put this gift therefore as extraordinary for us here at the museum. We feel humbled to have received it, we feel grateful,” Sir Trevor said.

(TL)

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