Cherokee School African Cultural Diplomacy Program (CHEROKEE CULTURE) Mission
To establish a comprehensive program of African Cultural Diplomacy between Cherokee School in Memphis and ARYA Primary School in Kisumu, Kenya, transforming students into Cultural Diplomats and fostering a rich understanding of African and African American history, culture, and heritage.
Goals
Create Cultural Diplomats: Engage students in a program that goes beyond pen pal exchanges to foster cultural immersion and historical education.
Involve the Community: Highlight the importance of African American history and heritage within the local community of Orange Mound.
Enhance Educational Experiences: Utilize digital education tools, art, and filmmaking to provide a rich, engaging learning environment for students.
Program Elements
Cultural Exchange and Correspondence
Letters from Leaders: Obtain inspirational letters from the President of Kenya, the Kenyan Ambassador, Governor Peter Anyang' Nyong'o, and other dignitaries.
Regular Correspondence: Facilitate ongoing exchanges of letters between students of Cherokee School and ARYA Primary School to build lasting friendships.
Cultural Exchange Visits: Arrange visits for educators and students between the two schools to experience each other’s cultures firsthand.
Workshops on African History and Culture
African History Lessons: Educate students about key historical figures such as Tom Mboya and Dr. Louis Leakey.
Swahili Language Classes: Offer basic Swahili language instruction to enhance students’ cultural understanding.
African Art and Culture Tours: Use the extensive collection of African art in Orange Mound for educational tours.
Film and Media Production
Documentaries: Create documentaries and short films with students about their cultural exchange experiences.
Filmmaking Workshops: Teach students filmmaking techniques to document their cultural journeys and tell their own stories.
Cultural Events and Celebrations
Kwanzaa Celebrations: Organize annual Kwanzaa celebrations at Cherokee School to integrate African traditions.
African Fashion Show: Host a fashion show featuring traditional African attire designed by students.
Kenyan Food Festival: Organize a Kenyan food festival to introduce students and their families to Kenyan cuisine.
Historical and Educational Tours
Safari House Museum Visits: Arrange regular visits to the Safari House Museum in Orange Mound.
Educational Trips to Kenya: Plan educational trips for Cherokee students and teachers to visit significant sites in Kenya, such as Hell’s Gate National Park.
Benefits to Cherokee School and Memphis
Cultural Enrichment
Promotes understanding of African and African American history.
Encourages diversity, inclusion, and global awareness.
Educational Advancement
Provides unique educational opportunities through direct cultural exchanges and hands-on learning.
Equips students with skills in filmmaking, language, and historical research.
Community Engagement
Strengthens community ties by involving local leaders and educators.
Showcases Orange Mound’s cultural heritage and history.
Global Recognition
Positions Cherokee School as a leader in cultural diplomacy and international education.
Builds lasting relationships with Kenya, fostering mutual respect.
We ask for Support from Memphis Elected Officials
To establish a comprehensive program of African Cultural Diplomacy between Cherokee School in Memphis and ARYA Primary School in Kisumu, Kenya, transforming students into Cultural Diplomats and fostering a rich understanding of African and African American history, culture, and heritage.
Goals
Create Cultural Diplomats: Engage students in a program that goes beyond pen pal exchanges to foster cultural immersion and historical education.
Involve the Community: Highlight the importance of African American history and heritage within the local community of Orange Mound.
Enhance Educational Experiences: Utilize digital education tools, art, and filmmaking to provide a rich, engaging learning environment for students.
Program Elements
Cultural Exchange and Correspondence
Letters from Leaders: Obtain inspirational letters from the President of Kenya, the Kenyan Ambassador, Governor Peter Anyang' Nyong'o, and other dignitaries.
Regular Correspondence: Facilitate ongoing exchanges of letters between students of Cherokee School and ARYA Primary School to build lasting friendships.
Cultural Exchange Visits: Arrange visits for educators and students between the two schools to experience each other’s cultures firsthand.
Workshops on African History and Culture
African History Lessons: Educate students about key historical figures such as Tom Mboya and Dr. Louis Leakey.
Swahili Language Classes: Offer basic Swahili language instruction to enhance students’ cultural understanding.
African Art and Culture Tours: Use the extensive collection of African art in Orange Mound for educational tours.
Film and Media Production
Documentaries: Create documentaries and short films with students about their cultural exchange experiences.
Filmmaking Workshops: Teach students filmmaking techniques to document their cultural journeys and tell their own stories.
Cultural Events and Celebrations
Kwanzaa Celebrations: Organize annual Kwanzaa celebrations at Cherokee School to integrate African traditions.
African Fashion Show: Host a fashion show featuring traditional African attire designed by students.
Kenyan Food Festival: Organize a Kenyan food festival to introduce students and their families to Kenyan cuisine.
Historical and Educational Tours
Safari House Museum Visits: Arrange regular visits to the Safari House Museum in Orange Mound.
Educational Trips to Kenya: Plan educational trips for Cherokee students and teachers to visit significant sites in Kenya, such as Hell’s Gate National Park.
Benefits to Cherokee School and Memphis
Cultural Enrichment
Promotes understanding of African and African American history.
Encourages diversity, inclusion, and global awareness.
Educational Advancement
Provides unique educational opportunities through direct cultural exchanges and hands-on learning.
Equips students with skills in filmmaking, language, and historical research.
Community Engagement
Strengthens community ties by involving local leaders and educators.
Showcases Orange Mound’s cultural heritage and history.
Global Recognition
Positions Cherokee School as a leader in cultural diplomacy and international education.
Builds lasting relationships with Kenya, fostering mutual respect.
We ask for Support from Memphis Elected Officials