February is officially Designated as Black History Month all over the world.   As a part of giving back to the spirit of Africa for over 20 years I have annually given back to the community by giving free classes, workshops and lectures at the local Public Elementary, Junior and  Senior High Schools.

I prepare with excitement the lesson plans that will give the students historical facts, stories, games, songs and regalia of the rich legacy of Africa.  It seems to me that the information I share with the staff and students never gets old. I have as much fun if  not more than them.

This year I focused on the similarities and differences between Modern Western Culture and Ancient African Cultural systems.  We talked about the differences in the educational and social systems of the West and of Africa. We showed the value of the extended family, the benefit and strength that children have when they are raised and  educated separately by gender.

The students found it very interesting when I shared the fact that traditionally in many indigenous cultures of Africa boys are separated at age 7 from living  in the same house with their mothers and other female relatives.

The daily activity, education and training is turned over to the male relatives such as Fathers, Uncles, Grandfathers, and older male siblings.  With the guidance, nurturing and assistance of their male elders, the young men develop long-lasting friendships, confidence, strength, and great understanding of their role as the future men of their society. This confidence can assist the young men in developing great skills as leaders and role models for their community.

The girls are raised, nurtured, and educated by their mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and older female relatives of the community.  They too are taught the many skills that are necessary to become successful, confident, self-assured, and strong leaders in their families and community.

After each of the presentations, the children were excited and thought it would be “cool” to go to school with  friends of the same gender.

Before adolescence, most young children are interested and focused on making friends, having playmates who share similar interests and have respect of themselves and each other.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our social and educational  system in the West adopted some of the teachings of African sociology?

1) Imagine if boys and girls were very secure, strong and rooted in self-awareness of their own gender power
2) Imagine young men and women going into middle schools rooted in self-confidence and self-awareness
3) Imagine the choices our High School students would make as it pertain to peer pressure
4) Imagine the success rate we would perhaps have as husbands, wives, and parents

This Black History month again I am exhausted, inspired, uplifted, encouraged, and hopeful that all children have a rich legacy to inherit.  As we continue to share the culture and traditions of Ancient Ancestors we make all our children proud.

Have a proud, satisfied, “Each one teach one” Meaningful Monday.

This entry was posted on Monday, March 1st, 2010 at 12:01 am and is filed under Meaningful Monday. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.