Cultural Immigrant Initiative: Guyanese Fishing/Net Knitting

Description

There is nowhere in NYC as diverse as the fishing piers and beaches of Far Rockaway, where fishermen from all over the world come together at the water's edge. Many local fishermen use cast nets, an ancient fishing technique with a long history in Guyana, to catch fish on Jamaica Bay.

This hands-on workshop teaches students about the history of Guyanese fishing and some of the crafts and skills that go into it. Students will learn about Guyanese cast net fishing, it's history, the art of making the nets, and their current day use in the Rockaways. Students will practice casting a net themselves and also also get the chance to learn basic knots. All students will leave the workshop with their own knot bracelet and instruction guide.
This program is free for Rockaway public schools in District 31 & 32. Pricing for public schools outside the Rockaways are $10/student for a maximum of 25 students or flat rate of $250. Pricing for private school groups will be $15/student with a maximum of 25 students or a flat rate of $375. Home school groups can call for pricing! To learn more about this program or to schedule a Living Classroom visit, please contact us at programs@riserockaway.org