Ujima Youth Program in Bend returns, teaching students cultural awareness and leadership
Free after-school program in downtown Bend starts third term
(Update: Comments from Ujima Youth Program Co-Chair Marcus LeGrand)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Going into its third term this week, the Ujima Youth Program aims to help middle school and high school students thrive across Central Oregon.
“We teach them some other arts and culture, like today we’re going to be showing the first episode of Roots," the famed mini-series, Program Co-Chair Marcus LeGrand said Wednesday. "We’re going to allow the students also to do woodshop, and they’re going to be able to learn different tools and how things work.”
The donation-based program, hosted by the Father's Group in Bend, is intended to promote leadership, academic achievement and cultural awareness. Topics include body image and West African Drums & Griot Culture.
Based on growing participation from the last term, averaging around 15 to 20 students, LeGrand expects the number of students involved to continue climb.
The program is held at the District Education Center in downtown Bend.
The themes are heavily focused on the African Disapora.
"Primarily to infuse our culture heritage from an Afro-centric perspective," LeGrand said. "We are always focusing on so many other things, but we need a place to come to feel centered.”
With the mission to widen the scope of cultural education that's not typically a part of the school district's academic curriculum, the program is open to all students who want to learn more about it.
Starting on Wednesday, students will also be learning Swahili, one of Africa’s oldest languages.
They can also expect to discuss topics including music production and civil rights over the duration of the seven-week term.
"Many of us have kids in the school systems, and we’re noticing a lot of our heritage and culture not being taught," LeGrand said. "So we as men and leaders, and as professionals said, ‘Hey, let’s step up and do the necessary things to enhance that.’”
