The Jamaican High Commission in London, United Kingdom (UK) rang out with the sounds of drumming, as children and teachers from eight primary schools across the city were treated to a very special Jamaican Christmas, on December 6.

The students and their teachers were given a crash course in the history and importance of traditional drumming in Jamaica and the Caribbean by master drummer, Jamaica- born Ras Happa (Oginga Osaze).

Ras Hoppa and  storyteller  Kandake were special guests for the day that also featured entertainment provided by noted Jamaican choreographer, Jackie Guy, who got the children and their teachers involved in singing and dancing to a range of traditional and contemporary Jamaican music, as well as Jamaican Christmas carols and songs, including ‘Christmas a Come, Me want me Lama’.

More than 50 children, many of whom are studying Jamaica for school projects, also heard from Journalist, Yvonne Chin, about her Christmas traditions as a child growing up in Jamaica.

The students and their teachers were also treated to a traditional Jamaican Christmas lunch, which featured chicken, rice and peas and fried plantains. There was also tropical fruits and drinks, traditional Jamaican Christmas cake and potato pudding.

All the schools were presented with gift bags from the sponsors of day’s activities, Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS).

The School’s Christmas programme is part of the High Commission’s community outreach programme.  The Mission has, for the past seven years, hosted a special event for school children, to give them a taste of Jamaican life, culture and heritage and to highlight outstanding Jamaicans, especially those living in the United Kingdom.