How to implement a literacy program for Afrikan children: the first 2 thoughts (part 1)

[Tehuti]

What is the most effective way to implement an effective literacy project for
Afrikan children worldwide? That means the U.S., the continent of Afrika, and everywhere else. Also, what skills do you bring to the table that will help make such
a project successful?

[Tehuti]

Good answer and good questions Kali.
Of course at the start, there must be a plan that addresses all fronts.
Ultimately we must prepare ourselves for survival and preservation.
Not everyone will understand the need for independence, so we must
also organize people who decide to stay in the public school system.
My form of literacy goes beyond school, and learning how to read & write.
More details will be explained on how to implement this plan. For now, the
I am touching on some general ideas, and I will soon outline the specific
strategies for implementation. Please review the following:

These are some of the necessary institutions:
1.Openly in our communities/ Independent community oriented programs
2. Create Independent schools (private and charter)
3. Online Learning via the internet
4. Public School programs, until we are able to effectively take our children
away from schools that do not serve our interests.
5. Create Exchange programs for K-12 & Colleges in African countries
6. Create an Pan-Afrikan newspaper (physically and online)
7. number 7 is actually step 1. First, we must build a group of people
who want to organize for the purpose of Afrikan Children's Literacy. That group
can start with anywhere from 10 to 100 people, and it will grow very quickly into become
a strong force.
8. Every Tuesday night on my radio show Hip Hop Word, I will give a weekly report
to keep people informed about the progress. And that report will also be
posted on this social network.

If you are committed to teaching, researching, planning, and organizing, then we definitely
need to talk. Call me at 702-210-5425 when you get a chance.

[Asha Kshanti Myaat]

This is awesome

[Asha Kshanti Myaat]

I think the best way to implement the program suggested here is to develop our own curriculum. The use of Saturday schools, Evening Schools, Home Schools and African Centered Day schools would be the best facilities to train our young people in.

I have a fully developed curriculum that I use to teach my own children. I would be more than willing to share it with other serious parents/educators.

Another way that we could actually move a project like this forward, is to start an Internet Acadamey. I am not sure exactly how this would work, but I do know that it can be done. Anyway, this is just my two cents.

Asha

[Tehuti]

Kali, get all of your friends Tennessee to join this group. We can support them!
Asha, can you send the curriculum to everyone in the Afrikan Children's Literacy
group? We can use elements of that curriculum as part of our developing agenda.

Let's all stay in contact and begin to develop a real plan. Can the two of you call
my radio show this coming Tuesday? I want to discuss this topic during my show.
The show is from 8pm-9pm Tuesday July 15th on 900amwurd.com
The call-in number is 1-866-361-0900.

[RemiNiyi]

please share the curriculum. I agree with you that informal education offers us a fighting chance of implementing an independent curriculum within the USA/EU. In Africa, there is more scope for using the formal schooling route.

An internet academy can be hosted using open source software such as moodle. Check a demo at www.moodle.org I have an (incomplete) implementation aimed at skills development at website: http://kagbon.ralaran.com

[Kamasi]

Recently I had a similar discussion with Dr. Molefi Kete Asante and he reiterated that black children do not suffer from lack of self esteem (per say) but a deep understanding of their Afrikan legacy. In other words, Afrikan children do not have a sense of history or the necessary tools (i.e. writing, math, reading and analytical skills etc.) to effectively examine relevant issues, from an Afrikan centered perspective, that integrates new information into their daily lives. How do we prepare our childern for the future? Do we want to build the “ark” after the storm has hit?

A good plan or roadmap begins with the correct assessment of the problems black children face on a daily basis. The pubic schools has been transformed from place where education was the salvation for our people to holding pens, lock downs and zero tolerance for minor offences. As we go through process of developing new models and curriculums; we cannot lose sight of the big picture. We have to start with a solid foundation, core group, and feasible plan of action.

In the 80s Westinghouse developed a program to teach 1st graders how to read on 5th grade level and so on. Presently, I am developing a curriculum (based on the Westinghouse model) that will accelerate the learning process in every area of academic learning. Some of the examples have been incorporated in Marcus Garvey School and Nia Charter schools here in the Los Angeles area. Knowledge is power…but only if we use intelligently and wisely!

[RemiNiyi]

please share the link to the Westinghouse model.

[Kamasi]

These links should give you an idea of some the innovations in educational curriculum.


http://www.arthurhu.com/INDEX/success.htm

http://ingenuityproject.org/Innovator/Innovator.htm

http://epsl.asu.edu/epru/peer_reviews/cerai-00-19.htm

[RemiNiyi]

Many here have already suggested educational curricula. This is good. I feel we will need also to help our youth attain economic self-sufficiency and social awareness a lot earlier than their compatriots. Please include a programme of travel to an African country (I will recommend Yoruba-Nigeria) in your schedule for educating our youth. Also include learning and using an African language (I will of course recommend Yoruba *smile).

The way I see it an ability to deliberately think in another language-dimension is a strong weapon in psychological warfare. I may be able to host curricula / online lesson plans soon at http://kagbon.ralaran.com Our focus is trade enterprise and community development.

[Asha Kshanti Myaat]

Hey guys,please give me a moment to get the curriculum here. I have to edit it down some. It's pretty extensive. Thanks

Asha

[Yolanda]

It's heartwarming to see so much effort and dedication going into raising our collective. If there is any assistance I can offer, especially in the areas of writing, editing, reading and research, please don't hesitate to call upon me. I also have an extensive scientific research background. My complementarity and I will open the doors to our center this Saturday. We'll offer independent classes and eventually branch into an independent school. We'll have courses for children as well as adults, and will also host lectures, seminars and book discussions and signings. Right now, we only have up a basic Web site, but you can get a little more information about us at www.eklectiksinc.com.

[Asha Kshanti Myaat]

Yolanda your site is awesome! I feel so blessed to be among brothers and sisters who are dedicating so much time and effort toward educating our people. Blessings to you.

Asha