In an age where immigration is prominent, parents and children alike are facing an identity crisis as they try to amalgamate their homeland’s culture with the norms of their new home. Many struggle with differences including language barriers and societal norms, as well as changes in familial structure.
The Positively Cultured school program aims to alleviate some of the struggle that many children from different cultures face. Kids may want to disassociate from their heritage when there is such misinformation and negativity about it. Positively Cultured wants to get involved in education because otherwise both African and Canadian kids may only learn about Africa from the negative images they see on TV, rather than learn of the diverse and dynamic place that it really is.
“Some of my friends have told me that their children feel embarrassed to be called by their African names or to speak their language when with friends,” said Jacqui Terry of Positively Cultured. “Some children may go to the extent of lying that they come from Jamaica or some other place.”
The Positively Cultured school program, which is best suited to those in kindergarten to grade two, works towards connecting education with cultural skill through storytelling, traditional and modern dance, and language.
By allowing people in the community to share their stories, it creates an environment that can change perceptions, enhance acceptance of difference, and encourage a more diverse view of what it means to be African. The program is always looking to expand other cultures represented as well.
When school’s out for the summer, kids can participate in African Culture Safari Summer Camp, hosted by Jacqui Terry and a group of volunteers. The main goal of the day camp, in partnership with the African Community Wellness Initiative and the Zimbabwe Canada Association of KW, is to enhance inter-culturalism and promote it in Waterloo Region. “Africa has a lot to teach Canada, but we don’t always realise it,” Terry said.
Her objective with the camps is to promote creativity in a way that encourages inter-culturalism, unity, and self-esteem by allowing kids and communities to be comfortable with who and where they are. Terry also runs Arts and Kultcha camp, an intercultural experience with a strong arts base, aimed at encouraging kids to “Grow up Global.”
“North America is very focused on consumption. We consume and absorb, but don’t necessarily interact. The African experience is very interactive. We stand up, dance, and clap when we enjoy the performance,” she said.
The camp offers volunteers with a “cultural currency” skill, craft or talent to access to a positive community opportunity, giving them a sense of contribution and aiding their sense of self-esteem. It offers children with African heritage a similar experience.
The Africa camp will be held in Kitchener August 15-19, with a Zimbabwean Cultural Day on Saturday, August 20, open to those involved with the camp. The “Arts and Kultcha” camp is being held August, 1-6, in Guelph. Sign up is still open for camp, as well as opportunties to sponsor another child to attend. The camp is always looking for more community partners. For more information about this event and others, visit www.positivelycultured.com or contact Terry directly at info@positivelycultured.com
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[Rachel Henry is a second year print journalism student at Conestoga College. Combining her love of writing, music, and the arts, she plans to lead a career as a photojournalist covering live music events after graduation. She is currently a photography intern at Snap KW.]
