It takes a village to raise a child

A recent historical event took place on June 8th 2009. On that Tuesday morning while little tired kids dreaded the idea of spending the day in school. Another group of young kids were eager to begin their first day in a new fresh learning environment. Elementary school, Middle school High school, everyone was off to learn. For some, kindergarten to grade 5, young kids became students of a newly opened Africentric school. Most would say “Hooray, this is wonderful” while others would beg to differ.

The recently active Africentric school was created to give African Americans a unique learning environment where their specific needs could be met. In 2007, Harrow and Wilson made it a pressing issue for the Toronto District School Board to address the low achievements among black students. They also included that there has been a 40% dropout rate; in January 2008 the vote to launch the facility was in full swing. While good things and bad things happen in our society, there are always people who object to changes.

Although I really applaud the idea of a black focused school I do have my worries. It is clear that all races are accepted into black focused schools. The only change is the curriculum will highlight the history of black people. Truth is, the school will consist of a larger amount of black people than any other race, and this is the motive. My worry is that if this black focused elementary school is meant for black kids will there be a black focused Jr. High school? How can we ensure that once the elementary kids leave their school and move into a general public school, the transition will be smooth? Growing up, especially as a very young student. (Kindergarten – Grade 5) they tend to act as sponges. Young kids are seen to absorb information very quick and build new habits. Will these young kids be able to go into a public school and work the same as they did in the black focused school? Will some feel threatened by other races? The students that will attend the black focused schools are more than likely aware that black students have been an issue, which has resulted in the opening of Sheppard School Will this help or hurt their self esteem when it comes to walking and talking with all different races?

There are always people who love to twist and turn situations. Many say, “well if there are black focused schools, then Chinese students should have “high performance schools” since there has been a trend of high marks in their high school careers”. The defense seems to be that Africentric curriculum is built in hopes that the inclusion of African history will increase interest and subsequently the achievements of black students. If that’s the case, how come Asians are doing so well despite little education on the dynasties of Ancient China in school?

I have a bitter sweet love for the new Africentric School. Hopefully many different races will attend, and embrace the African culture. Just as the Dante Alighieri School was originally intended for Italian-Canadian kids, there are now a number of different nationalities attending the school. There are many great things that can come out of this new project. Especially, to have black male teachers present to serve as role models for young males who need this alternative school “the most.”

There are tons of issues in our society, the first step is to pin point the issue and think of a solution to the problem. If this school works, then wonderful. If it doesn’t? Well it was worth a try. I hope that one day our school will have a “world-centric” view. Why favor one history over another? All children should be taught about every culture so we can all live in a globalized society.