The cruise line provided funding, donated materials and hosted virtual workshops to inspire young artists as they prepared for their competitions
Eleuthera, THE BAHAMAS (March 20, 2023): In collaboration with Junior Achievement Bahamas and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Disney Cruise Line (DCL) and local students in Eleuthera worked together to celebrate the rich traditions of Junkanoo. In addition to providing funding and donating materials to support the Eleuthera Junior Junkanoo competition, Disney Cruise Line hosted a series of virtual, interactive workshops for students and Disney entertainment professionals to exchange ideas and learn from each other about Junkanoo and costume design.
Disney VoluntEars Eleuthera Junior Junkanoo Parade at Tarpum Bay Primary School.
Leading up to the competition, students from 10 schools across the island virtually met with Disney Live Entertainment cast members from around the globe, who specialize in costuming, cosmetology and entertainment, to collaborate on their Junkanoo costume and parade float designs. The primary and high school students shared stories about Junkanoo traditions with their mentors, while Disney mentors shared ideas with the young artists to help spark their imagination and inspire creativity.
“This was a special experience for our team,” said Carlos Jimenez, managing producer, Disney Cruise Line. “It was wonderful to share our ideas with this amazing group of students to help inspire their designs, while at the same time, learn from them about Bahamian culture and the beautiful celebration of Junkanoo.”
After weeks of preparing, the students performed at the Eleuthera Junior Junkanoo competition on March 4, displaying their parade floats and handmade costumes for their community. Caithlyn, age 10, performed in the Junior Junkanoo competition after participating in virtual mentoring workshops with her Disney mentors. She said, “My classmates and I are celebrating the Bahamian culture by enjoying ourselves and doing what our parents and grandparents did back in the day,” said Caithlyn.
“This collaboration with Disney Cruise Line was truly incredible,” said Clara Young, program manager, Junior Achievement Eleuthera. “After working with their Disney mentors, the students were so proud to celebrate Junkanoo and present their creative costumes to the community. It was a proud moment for all of us.” Disney VoluntEARS from Walt Disney Imagineering, the team leading the development of a new experience in Eleuthera at Lighthouse Point, also joined the event.
“Junkanoo is at the heart of our Bahamian culture. Watching these young Bahamians learn about, celebrate and preserve our culture for generations to come is how we keep this tradition alive,” said Joey Gaskins, public affairs director, Disney Cruise Line. “Disney Cruise Line is proud to support programs, like Junior Junkanoo, that reflect the rich diversity of the world we live in. By pairing these students with our creative professionals, we can show them how their talents can be more than just a hobby and encourage these young people to dream big.”
This initiative is part of Disney Cruise Line’s Wishes Set Sail campaign, developed to support various youth activities in key port communities in celebration of the Disney Wish’s inaugural season, and Disney Future Storytellers, The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to empowering the next generation of storytellers and innovators.
Disney Cruise Line is creating a new experience in Eleuthera at Lighthouse Point, opening in summer 2024. It will be inspired by the natural environment and celebrate the culture of The Bahamas and Junkanoo. Created in close collaboration with local artists and advisors, the vibrant island retreat will be a unique celebration of Bahamian culture brought to life with the quality and service of a Disney vacation.
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About Disney Cruise Line: Since its maiden voyage in 1998, Disney has introduced countless families to the beauty and spirit of The Bahamas and has provided significant economic impact while demonstrating a strong commitment to the environment and the community. Approximately 75 percent of the cruises offered by Disney have at least one stop in The Bahamas, all five of its ships are registered in The Bahamas and it is estimated that DCL operations currently contribute more than $70 million toward the Bahamas gross domestic product annually. DCL has committed to filling all positions on Castaway Cay with Bahamians across a range of disciplines with opportunities for training and advancement. Disney has received all the necessary approvals from the Government of the Bahamas and has begun work at Lighthouse Point, which is expected to create more than 300 construction-related roles – more than doubling the number of jobs DCL committed to in its Heads of Agreement.
For more information on DCL’s commitment to The Bahamas, visit lighthousepointbahamas.com.
About Junior Achievement Bahamas: Junior Achievement is the leading youth development organization in The Bahamas dedicated to fostering youth innovation, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, college preparedness and work readiness. Over the past 40 years, our successful programmes have been operated in various islands across The Bahamas; including Abaco, Andros, Eleuthera, Berry Islands, Cat Island, Grand Bahama, New Providence and Mayaguana. Currently our programmes facilitate students from K5-Grade 12. These programmes have proven to help students understand the importance of financial literacy and how it plays a role in every community.
About Disney Future Storytellers: Disney Future Storytellers is The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to empowering the next generation of storytellers and innovators. Through social investments and programs that provide inspiration and hands-on experience, we’re increasing access to careers in media, entertainment, technology, and hospitality, and helping ensure that our storytelling reflects the lives and experiences of the many communities we serve. From arts and STEM education for school-age children, to scholarships, mentoring, and creative and technical skill-building for teens and young adults, Disney is helping today’s youth dream about their future, build their talents and skills, and become who they imagine they can be.
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