Overview
The Yurumein Project is a Not for Profit organization that was established to intentionally mobilize for the retrieval and the reestablishment of the Garifuna language as the primary means of communication for Garinagu. We aim to uplift and steadfastly support the Garifuna People, especially youth, in securing facilities, structures and opportunities to ensure a path to the achievement of our fullest potential.
We are also looking to re-establish Garifuna traditions such as honor, respect and care for the elderly as well as the concept of ‘au bun amuru nu’. We believe that teaching and promoting Garifuna spirituality is the bedrock of Garifuna duo.
Inception of The Yurumein Project
Vision and Mission
We envision a people rooted in their identity, fluent in their language, competent in every aspect of their culture and thriving in their daily lives. Ours is a focused mission to learn and teach the Garifuna language and culture to those who identify as Garinagu in all parts of the world.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Dr. Jeremy Cayetano, Executive Director, Belize, Central America
Mr. James Cordice, Asst. Executive Director, St. Vincent & The Grenadines
Dr. Gwen Nunez-Gonzalez, Managing Director
Mrs. Halie Diego, Executive Secretary
Mrs. Shannon Peters, Exec Finance Officer
Ms. Marsha Mejia, Youth Arm Coordinator
Objectives
- Institutionalize the Garifuna Language in Belize as well as all countries where Garinagu reside.
- Honor our ancestors and our elders and keep Garifuna traditions alive.
- Teach the Garifuna spirituality, Language, music, culture, drumming, poetry and dance to the Garifuna youth in Belize and in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
- Expose Garifuna Youth of Belize to the home of their ancestors and teach them their history.
- Secure Baliceaux, on St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a Sacred Space for all Garinagu.
- Establish state of the art facilities enabling our people to compete internationally in various fields.
Expected Outcomes
- The Garifuna language will be prevalent in Garifuna communities countrywide.
- Our cultural traditions of honouring our ancestors and elders will be a regular occurrence.
- Garifuna youth in all countries where Garinagu live will be versatile in all aspects of the Garifuna culture including, speaking of the Garifuna language, singing Garifuna songs, dancing to the rhythm of the various genre of Garifuna music, playing the Garifuna drums, reciting Garifuna poetry.
- Garifuna youth will be able to articulate our history and clarify misconceptions when they arise.
- Facilities and structures will be established for Garinagu and pathways to opportunities will be secured.
