Krysta Anderson, Gleaner Writer

Last Thursday, the Institute of Jamaica was every child's dream toy chest. The Mexican Embassy, in collaboration with the Institute of Jamaica, presented The Traditional Mexican Toy Exhibition. The East Street Junior Centre was bursting with activity as collections of traditional hand-made Mexican toys gleamed in showcases along the walls for all to see. The toys demonstrate the vibrant spirit of play and the beauty of the craftsmanship of Mexicans and their tradition.

Children and children at heart viewed the colourful displays with glee. Surviving through generations, the toys reflect the humour and creativity of their country of origin. Some of the children actually got the opportunity to play with some of the toys.

Mexican ambassador to Jamaica, Gerardo Lozano, expressed joy in the collaboration, noting that the goal of the exhibit is to present an example of popular Mexican traditions, showing a part of the toy craft that has been done in Mexico for centuries to the Jamaican people.

Executive director of the Institute of Jamaica, Anne Marie Bonner, and director of the programme division of the Junior Centre, Jacqueline Bushay, were also grateful for the exhibit. They believe that it would be beneficial to Jamaican children and Jamaica, in teaching about the Mexican culture, and will help to spark and develop the imagination of Jamaican children, contributing extensively to improving and promoting Jamaica's educational system.

Entertainment for the event included a Mexican musical selection from Bunny Rose and a dance, performance by students of the Centre.

The exhibit will be opened until the end of May which is observed internationally as Child Month.