The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (Tuco) believes calypso can be used to reduce juvenile delinquency and improve communication among students in the nation’s schools.
During the launch of a programme at the National Library in Couva yesterday, TUCO south-central chairman Steve Pascal, aka Ras Kommanda, said his organisation planned to hold calypso workshops with students to keep the art form alive.
Saying the event was part of calypso history month, Pascal said it was something that radio stations had decided not to promote.
“We want to take calypso to schools. I do not believe that calypso is dying. If you look at the junior workshops you will see talent and realise that calypso is very much alive.
“We have been keeping the fire burning. Today we start at the library in Couva and we will be going from school-to-school,” Pascal said.
However, Couva Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation chairman Henry Awong said students were more inclined towards soca rather than calypso. Saying both calypso and soca should be used in school as a means of communication, Awong said this will definitely reduce juvenile delinquency.
“Calypso can also be used as a method of teaching and getting messages across. The book theory does not always work. Tuco is doing a good job in terms of encouraging calypso in schools,” Awong said.
He also said calypsoes can be used to document history, which will serve as a memento for generations to come.
“It will also encourage students to be more open about expressing themselves,” Awong said.
Calypsonian Edwin “Crazy” Ayoung said the initiative was being funded solely Tuco but said he hopes once the economy becomes more buoyant the Government will offer assistance.
“We are struggling right now but when the economy builds back up the Government will get money to fund initiatives like these,” Ayoung said.
Bringing his two Sunshine awards to show the students of Couva South Government Primary school, Ayoung said calypso singing was gratifying, adding that he was willing to show students how they could turn their poems into melody.
