Education and Advancement, Human Services, Youth Engagement, Community Outreach
NEXT GENERATION YOUTH RISE & HERITAGE EDUCATION INITIATIVE
Our Youth Empowerment and Cultural Education Initiative, known as Beyond the Backpack, is dedicated to rekindling the village spirit by engaging with youth early and addressing systemic issues before they become deeply entrenched.. We tackle the hidden weight of historical trauma with a focus on healing, empathy, and support, offering a nurturing environment where traditional methods fall short. By embracing the principle of "Train them up in the way they should go," we blend storytelling and cultural history into our mentorship. This approach helps young people explore their identities and heritage, and we’re committed to rebuilding a true sense of community for them.
Program Details
As traditional methods fall short, Beyond the Backpack is blending storytelling and cultural history into mentorship programs, helping young people explore their identities and heritage. We are focusing on the principle of "Train them up in the way they should go," rebuilding a true sense of community and addressing the root causes of systemic issues affecting youth.
Program Goals
➧ Early Engagement and Support
➧ Promote Emotional Well-being and Resilience
➧ Foster civic engagement
➧ Family Engagement
➧Facilitate Cross-Cultural Understanding and Exchange
Program Components
➧ Cultural Storytelling & Heritage Exploration
➧ Wisdom Appreciation Session
➧ Village Rebuilding Workshops
➧ Mentorship program
Program Projects
Storytelling Festivals and workshops
We are providing youth with hands-on experiences that deepen their understanding and appreciation of their own cultural heritage and the cultures of others.
Cultural Attire Appreciation
We are organizing events focusing on showcasing and appreciating traditional and cultural attire. Participants display and discuss their clothing, sharing their garments' cultural significance and history.
Youth Advocacy and Civic Engagement
To empower youth to advocate for themselves and their communities and to engage in civic activities.
HBCU Awareness and Appreciation
We are hosting events to educate youth about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), highlighting their history, contributions, and impact on the community. These events include presentations, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions with HBCU alumni and representatives.