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Sankofa Mentoring Program
The Sankofa Mentoring Program is for students in grades seven to twelve, online on Thursdays from 6:30pm to 8:30pm and two Saturday’s per month in person 10 am to 1pm at Bur Oak Secondary School, Markham Ontario. The environment creates a safe space for students, and mentors to come together in unity and learn more about their heritage. Through collective work/responsibility, we have created an environment where creativity and cooperative economics work together to engender self-determination. The program was developed in the follow structure:
- Rooted in an Afrocentric Framework
- Three tier model (life skills, community engagement and civic responsibility)
- It highlights the principles of the Nguzo Saba – (The Seven Principles) Unity, Self-Determination Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, Faith, and Self-Respect
Identity
Program
The Sankofa Identity Program is an after-school curriculum for Black students grades six to eight, virtually on Wednesdays at 5:00pm to 6:30pm and two Saturday’s per month in person 10am to 1 pm at Bur Oak Secondary School, Markham Ontario . Like the other programs it to promotes cultural identity and exposed students to African and Caribbean culture. Students will be given tools to make a smooth transition to adolescence and to be able to reflect on their behaviors to make better choices. They will also gain life skills that will assist them in developing leadership, community connection and personal goals.
The program was developed in the following structure:
- Exploration of Black Culture – language, customs, arts, music, food, drama
- Rooted in an Africentric framework
- It highlights the principles of the Nguzo Saba – (The Seven Principles) Unity, Self-Determination Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, Faith, and Self-Respect
Storytelling Program
The Sankofa Storytelling Program is for Black students in grades four to six, online on Saturday mornings 11am to 12:30pm and two Saturday’s per month in person 10am to 1pm at Bur Oak Secondary School, Markham Ontario. This program promotes cultural identity, exposes children to African, Caribbean cultures and traditional values. Eventually, when Black students start composing and telling their stories it will be more inclusive, giving them a stronger sense of belonging, which in the end will enhance their confidence and self-efficacy.
The program was developed in the follow structure:
- Reading books with Black characters
- Use of Storytelling to improve vocabulary and grammar
- Use of positive affirmations that help students to nurture their authentic self