YOUTH ENRICHMENT PROGRAMMING

Africano aims to enrich the academic and personal lives of its students by offering them activities such as debate, art classes such as drawing and jewelry-making, and introducing them to the cultural and civic institutions beyond Waltham, including local museums, libraries and colleges and universities – so they can start to dream big!

Saturday Enrichment Program

Every Saturday, the Center opens its doors to the youth - providing various programming in the arts (dance, drumming, acting, sewing), health and wellness check-ins, language practice, fieldtrips, and “growth mindset sessions” (open mic session where various scenarios are shared and students listen and then share). Africano provides a safe place for the kids to socialize and learn while their parents are at work. Saturdays: 11am-6pm, September through June.

African Crafts & Jewelry Making Club

Africano provides training in craft and jewelry-making. The items the young people create are sold at all events where we go to perform. We will soon have an online shop to sell these items which supports the Center’s operating costs. Saturdays 11am-12 noon.

Field Trips & Tours

Africano exposes the youth to the world beyond Waltham, with field trips to Boston, local universities, and New York City, and to have fun – at the aquarium, theme parks, etc. Saturdays: September through June.

Your Story Matters Magazine

“Your Story Matters” is a magazine that encourages Ugandan youth to express themselves by sharing their stories within their own community and the greater Waltham community. Now in its 3rd year, the magazine celebrates local youth and cultural diversity through poems and essays on topics such as identity, feelings about race, and dreams for the future. In addition to writing, the students showcase their creative talents, such as drawing and painting; jewelry, and clothing; and hair design. The magazine is published three times per year and is eagerly anticipated by Ugandan youth as an important way to connect and speak out. The production of this magazine is a collaboration of staff members of Africano working with the kids and other community members. Through the magazine, Africano’s youth develop writing, editing, photography, and production skills, as well as pride in their identity.