NSOROMMA IS GOING TO GHANA!

"We're going home!"  

"We're retracing our ancestors' path back to the Motherland!"

"Will I meet my cousins?"

Excitement is in the air!  On March 6, 2007, Ghana will celebrate the 50^th anniversary of its independence from colonial rule and African people throughout the diaspora are "going home" to participate in the celebration.  A group of Nsoromma students, parents, and teachers will be among those returning home!  

 "What is so significant about this event?", you may ask.   Ghana was the first African country to become independent of colonial rule.  In Ghana's case, it was independence from Britain.   Over the next 30 years, other African countries won their independence, and of course each of those is important.  Whenever oppressed African people are successful in the war against oppression and racism, we ought to celebrate to acknowledge our work and to inspire and encourage us all to continue the fight until we are all truly free in mind, body and spirit.

Because of Nsoromma's connections to Ghana, this trip is very significant to the school's curriculum.  The name, nsoromma, is an adinkra symbol of the Ashante people of south- central Ghana.  The symbol, the shape of a star, literally translates to "children of the sky" and is interpreted to mean "children of God."  The Twi language, spoken by the Ashante people as well as other groups in and around Ghana, is taught at Nsoromma.  Many of Nsoromma's teachers have visited and/or lived in Ghana and have on-going connections there.  Penpals are being identified, and Ghanaian songs are being learned.  The children have been invited to participate in the national parade at Black Star Square. You can imagine their excitement about going to Ghana because of all they know and have heard about it.   This is an example of how a curriculum can be expanded outside the classroom to relate the texts and talk to real places and real people.  

Travel is a fantastic way for children and adults to learn.   Nsoromma's vision is to plan a trip to a country in the African diaspora every two to three years.  In time, the children will have traveled around the world developing meaningful global connections because African people are living almost everywhere in the world!   Sponsors are welcomed and encouraged in order to enable more students to travel each time.

Start reading about Ghana, participate in one of the Twi classes being offered in Atlanta, and then, in late March look for information on this website about the Nsoromma students' presentations about their trip home!   In the spirit of sankofa, they'll be more than happy to share their experiences with you!