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KWANZAA is an African American holiday traditionally observed from
December 26 to January 1. The celebration is a time when people reflect
on the basic principles of KWANZAA and recommit themselves to the
collective achievements of a better way of life for their families and
communities; share their knowledge of their ancestral history and
culture; and enjoy the fruits of their labor. It is based on a seven (7)
principle value system. The principles of Kwanzaa are: Umoja which
means Unity, Kujichagulia which means Self Determination, Ujima which
means Collective Work and Responsibility, Ujamaa which means Cooperative
Economics, Nia which means Purpose, Kuumba which means Creativity and
Imani which means Faith. Each year students from the African, Asian,
European, Latino, and Native American communities participate in the
event.
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WE WIN Institute's KWANZAA program began in the Minneapolis Public
Schools with a class of sixth-graders. Many of these children were
underachievers and had been labeled "at risk". They had not responded to
traditional learning programs. They lived in poor communities and came
from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
Together with their teacher, Titilayo Bediako, they discovered that
learning could take place in an environment where they understood
themselves and each other by respecting differences. They also learned
that academic and creative progress was most successful in the context
of honoring and exploring their cultural backgrounds.
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The goals and objectives of WE WIN Institute's Kwanzaa program are:
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- To instill positive images of cultural images and history in children and adults.
We
accomplish this through a series of carefully planned lessons using
books, videos, research assignments, and interactive discussions.
- Teach children to understand and celebrate their own cultural heritage.
To
expand this understanding toward an appreciation of other cultures and
help build strong communities. We do this by helping children uncover
and share publicly, stories and traditions of their ancestry and
heritage.
- Give children an opportunity to participate in the cultural
expressions of African, Asian, European, Latino, and Native American
people.
We accomplish this through culturally specific
activities involving ritual and art, learned throughout the KWANZAA
process and shared with audiences at the KWANZAA celebration.
- Expand children's artistic and creative expression.
We do
this through the sharing of various culturally specific arts activities �
visual arts, music, dance, costuming, and storytelling.
- Give children the confidence to perform publicly and feel recognized and appreciated by their communities.
This happens when children receive applause and recognition following their performances.
- Increase children's academic and social skills.
This is done through reading, writing and communications projects in the context of KWANZAA activities.
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© 2007 WE WIN Institute Inc.
