The North Wales Jamaica Society is hosting a visit from Mrs Lisa Holmes-Shirley, Principal of Effortville Primary School in Clarendon, Jamaica, as part of the ongoing Building Bridges of Friendship initiative linking communities in Wales and Jamaica.
Mrs Holmes-Shirley is a highly respected educational leader, known for her commitment to raising standards, supporting young people, and celebrating Jamaican culture through education. Under her leadership, Effortville Primary School has developed a strong reputation for both academic progress and community engagement.
Her visit to North Wales forms part of a wider international exchange programme supported through the Welsh Government’s Taith initiative.
During her stay, she will meet with local schools, community groups, and education partners, sharing insights into Jamaican education and exploring the deep historical and cultural connections between Wales and Jamaica. Eisteddfod has played a big part in developing the performance skills of school children and Mrs Holmes-Shirley is keen to find out more about Eisteddfod in Wales
The visit also reflects the continuing work of local organisations, including Learning Links International and the North Wales Jamaica Society, who have been at the heart of building long-term relationships between the two regions.
Speaking ahead of the visit, organisers highlighted the importance of these exchanges in creating opportunities for young people and strengthening understanding between communities.
“This is about more than education,” they said. “It’s about building lasting friendships, sharing culture, and recognising our shared histories—while creating new futures together.”
Mrs Holmes-Shirley’s visit is expected to inspire both students and educators, and there are opportunities to find out more about the project – Mrs Holmes-Shirley all be at the One World Cafe at Penrhyn Hall on Saturday 25th April from 10 am- 12 pm to provide an opportunity to discuss the creative arts as an approach to improving school performance.
This Saturday session is also a drop off point for small items for the North Wales Jamaica Society delegation to collect items to take with the to support the recovery efforts since the hurricane that devastated the island last year. Donations are also very welcome. The next few weeks will see activities increase and the unique partnership between Bangor, Gwynedd, and Clarendon, Jamaica, continues to grow.
