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CHILDREN'S
PAGE
Past Events
The New Editon & the ACHA basketball tournament ..more
The Year in Review
Jambo! From
Veronica Sullivan Children’s Program Coordinator What a Year !! This
year’s Program began with enthusiasm from our committed and
dedicated teachers entrusted with the responsibility of nurturing
our treasures of the future, our children.
September - Getting to Know
Your Registration brought old and new families together to embark on
an incredible journey took place on Saturdays , for ten months. We
started off by getting to know each other in our age groups.
Saturday Reflection Journals were introduced this year where
children in the program could document their response to themes and
activities planned for the Saturday. It was terrific to see all the
age groups even the 21/2 –4 busy drawing or writing in their
journals at the start of the program. This is definitely a practice
that will be developed and become a part of the ACHA
tradition.
October – Umoja ~ Unity
This was most certainly a month of ACHA unity! Children, parent,
teachers and friends were offered opportunities to get together
…….We took our first trip with the 11 and under age group to Andrews
Scenic Acres, a farm in Milton. Families were able to go on a hay
ride, collect gourds & Indian corn for their Kwanzaa display,
pick a pumpkin, ride a pony, visit the hunted forest, munch on fresh
corn on the cob, find their way though a maze, shop at a country
store or just enjoy a beautiful fall drive out of the city. This
annual trip was relaxing and enjoyable for all who attended. Next
year make it a must ….‘the more the merrier!!!’ Closely following
this trip was our annual fundraising ‘WALKATHON.’ Did I say
walk-a-thon? Skate boards, roller blades, scooters and of course
running shoes blazed the trail! Harbourfront was the perfect site
for this event. Although we meet here every Saturday, often we don’t
take the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of our environment. It
was an overwhelming feeling of unity to walk along with
grandmothers, grandfathers, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers,
other family members and friends. The barbeque treats, the drumming
and dancing and the award of prizes were highpoints of the day.
November
Kujichagulia~ Self Determination November saw an
emphasis on ‘ definition of self’. The children focused on ‘ Who am
I?” activities in all age groups. These activities coincided with
the ACHA symposium on BEST PRACTICES IN AFRICAN HERITGE PROGRAMS,
geared to an examination African Heritage programs past and present.
This experience was very significant for our children since it
afforded them an opportunity to hear the experiences of past members
as well as contribute to the history of the program. It was a
testament to the success of the program when presenters Troy March
and Karen Lewis proficiently articulate the ACHA youth perspective.
December Ujima
~Working Together The program was ablazed with activity. With only a
few Saturdays to practice, teachers and children truly demonstrated
what Ujima really meant. Information was reviewed, lines learned and
songs sang as the program took shape for the Annual KWANZAA
PRESENTATION. What an Event ! Our children are truly amazing they
rose to the challenge to make this Kwanzaa memorable. Outstanding
performaces by the children and invited guest together with a
fantastic Kwanzaa feast, and marvelous marketplace, made this year’s
Kwanzaa a success. |
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Kids Web! see web pages by our
ACHA Youth Group Coming soon....
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Jambo! From
Veronica Sullivan Children’s Program Coordinator
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January- Ujamaa~Sharing
The new year was off to an amazing start with the celebration
of ‘Martin luther King Jr,. Day’ by all age groups. We enjoyed
viewing movies and listening to the dreams of our 9-12 age
group. Our future is certainly in good hand judging from the
visions of our youth. The program settled back to our regular
routine focusing on the theme for the month, story
telling.
February – Nia~Purpose ACHA
children, youth and teachers spent this month honouring
African Heritage Month by visiting events around the city. The
Black Scientist and Inventors museum at Harbourfront, The
Tuskegee Airman, and Computers and Technology were highpoints
of our visits. The children were able to benefit from these
learning experiences and understand the importance of
participating in community events.
March & April - Kuumba ~ Creativity The program was a
buzz of activity in preparation for two special events The
Annual African History Challenge Day and Entrepreneurs Day.
This year the African History Challenge was directed by two of
our newest teachers to the program Lisa and Nicole. What a way
to be initiated into the program. They rose to the challenge
and consequently the day was a smashing hit! Parents even had
an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of African
History in the last breathtaking five minutes of the game.
Congratualations to the ASHANTI team the winners ! Better luck
next time to the ZULU team. It was hard to refocus on our next
special day , however the thinking caps were put on and the
creative juices started to flow in preparation for
Entrepreneurs Day.
May
– Kuumba ~
Creativity Entrepreneurs day ! Hurray! The center was
transformed into a thriving business complex . All age groups
could be found organizing products and services for their
customers. Where else could you find afrocentric gifts for
mother’s day, cards to trade, handmade candles, notebooks,
delicious snacks, books, and when you were tired, sit and have
a refreshing peanut punch or milkshake at the Afro Café! The
businesses were among the best we have had at the program so
far. We raised close to $500.00! Keep this month on your
calendar for next year and support the efforts of our young
entrepreneurs!!! June – Imani~Faith Open House and the Seven
Principles Award ceremony.
ACHA Established 32 Years......
Pages
Ayinde
Asha
Troy
Katrina
Mike
Nataleah
Rashida
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