By Cheryl Bourassa | Program Manager
New American Africans is extremely proud to report that we have become part of the Global Giving community! This is a groundbreaking achievement for us for a few reasons. This marks the first time that we ever collected over 40 individual donations in such a short amount of time. It was also the first time that we ever explored an internet campaign to reach supporters, and we are happy to add that it was incredibly successful. Lastly, and most importantly, it helped us quickly fill a much-needed level of financial support to continue the Youth Program and the weekly dance instruction.
We have 20 dancers who come to learn African dancing on most Friday afternoons. Most come after participating in our After School Program’s one on one tutoring from Monday through Thursday. This is a chance for fun and cultural connections. The dancing is led by Thyerrine Dusable, an instructor with many years of experience. Hiring her became possible because of the generous donations that came to us from Global Giving. Next, we hope to find an African man who can work with our young men, either with drumming or dancing. Eventually, we want to reach out to the host community and invite their youth into our dance program.
One of our dancers, Rehema, demonstrates the motivational power of dance. She moved to Concord in 2012, after experiencing significant struggles while living in a refugee camp in Tanzania. Initially, Rehema did not adjust well to life in Concord. She had a very difficult time learning English. Since she began dancing, her path has changed. She is far more willing to come in for tutoring. As a result, she is making significant progress in school. Rehema is the young woman with a pink head band in the dance class picture.
Their first performance of the year will be on March 18th. New American Africans is hosting a Friday Family Fun Night. With generous sponsorship from Lincoln Financial and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Concord, we are able to bring Sayon Camara Drumming to Concord. They will headline an evening of drumming and dancing. Sayon’s lead dancer is quite excited to work with the young women in our program to get the audience up and dancing. During a break from the drumming, our dance troupe will take to the floor and perform.
NAA looks forward to keeping you updated along the way as we work to ensure that our youth feel supported and nurtured in the transition to life in Concord.
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