JAMBO!
Sankofa is an immersion into African arts, cultures, history, and languages for Black children. We give them an opportunity to directly experience and learn more about their own African heritage and feel empowered in their Black identity, for their overall wellbeing.
School's Out Summer Program 2022
Who is this for?
This is an opportunity for Black children aged 7-12 years to learn about and practice cultural wellness so that they feel empowered, they feel a greater sense of belonging, and they can better take care of their own emotional wellbeing, within a caring community.
We support the children AND the family they live with.
This summer program is a FREE offering available specifically to Sankofa community members.
What activities will be taught?
Activities will include but are not limited to:
- Singing
- Dancing
- Storytelling
- Craft-making
- Traditional instruments-making workshop
- African games
- Wellness workshops with an African Mental Health Clinician (RSW)
- Learning to speak Swahili
- And more.
Specific events, dates and times will be communicated once you join our village.
Where will this take place?
Sankofa is an ongoing program with both in-person activities and online content. Week-long cultural camps are offered during the winter, spring, and summer breaks. This year, we bring you our new Sankofa Summer Extravaganza! Thanks to the School's Out Summer Program funded by United Way of BC, we will invite you to join the following in-person summer programming:
- Week-long kids camp in Vancouver (Aug 22-26) and Surrey (July 11-15) - 10 am to 4 pm
- Family retreats out of town (date to be confirmed)
- Various family celebration and day trip events (dates to be confirmed)
All registration details will be communicated once you join our Sankofa Village.
Who will teach our kids?
Several African artists and facilitators will lead the activities:
- Dancer and Lead Facilitator Jacky Essombe (Cameroon)
- Storyteller Jean Pierre Makosso (Congo)
- Percussionnist Yoro Noukoussi (Benin)
- Singer & Musician Kurai Mubaiwa (Zimbabwe)
- Dancer Angélique Muhorakeye (Rwanda)
- Singer & Musician Maju-Maju (South Africa)
- Percussionnist Munkie Ncapayi (South Africa)
- Dancer N'nato Camara (Guinea)
- Percussionnist Aly Traoré (Guinea)
- Percussionnist Kocassalé Dioubaté (Gambia/Guinea)
Others will join the team, including:
- A Griot - traditional keeper of oral traditions
- Michel Ndiom, Mental Health Clinician (RSW)
- An accredited African teacher & special needs educator
- An African visual arts artist
- An African Chef
- And more.
Will parents be present?
YES! The family retreat and pop-up events are designed to give the children an experience of an African village. They will bond with other kids over cultural games and activities, but they will also get to know the other members of the village (parents, elders, artists, etc.) and develop a sense of belonging to a community.
The week-long camps are for children only, but parents will be invited to volunteer to help.
Why this project?
During the pandemic, physical distancing means that many kids and teens have been missing out on the regular activities they usually take part in. This can lead to increased anxiety, feelings of isolation and unhappiness. It is now more important than ever for them to stay connected to their social groups. Emphasizing self-care and mental health is a good way to lessen stress and help children adjust to and thrive in their environment.
Additionally, we believe that the stress and anxiety caused by living in a reality where anti-Black sentiments still exist needs to be addressed in a culturally safe environment. African cultures are grounded in community connections, and the opportunity to gather and bond with kinfolk will be beneficial to any Black child and their family.
Drumming, singing and dancing together represent our traditional technology for healing. The Black and African youth will be guided in wellness activities that are culturally relevant to their needs and their African heritage, in order to empower them and contribute to their long term mental health and wellbeing.
This is not just about attending events and participating in activities: we are creating a community! We are committed to giving the children an experience of a true African village, where we all come together to support and empower them, as a Tribe.
More Questions?
Please feel free to email us at africanfriendshipsociety at gmail dot com.
I am ready to register my kids!
Great! We are looking forward to spending time together, as a village.
Please note: upon registration you will receive a confirmation email from us. PLEASE check your spam!
