Sankofa camps out in style - AntiguaSun

[Anguillan newsboy]

It wasn’t the intention to have an all boys’ camp. But may be fate had a greater hand in the matter, as many complain that our young men are not being guided accordingly. Perhaps it was meant to be that all boys were to be the recipients of a week of wisdom, education in social and interpersonal etiquette and exposure to culture.
This year, the Sankofa Summer Camp, under the theme “Past troubles, present challenges, and future progress”, boarded a plane and spent a week in Anguilla – the rainbow isle – to learn more about themselves and life.
Director Maureen “Aunthentic” Simon, along with youth counsellor Priest Kidemi of the Bobo Shanti Order, chose seven outstanding campers from last year’s summer camp to attend this year’s camp in Anguilla.


Filled with excitement, the seven happy campers with their director and counsellor arrived in Anguilla on 20 Aug., and explored the island’s life until the 27th.
“Unlike regular camps where children would pitch tents or camp out at schools, we stayed at the Ocean Breeze Guest House … where the boys could be exposed to travel etiquette and various travel procedures… and other amenities, like access to swimming pools. … We thought this would’ve been a great experience for them … especially those who had never travelled before,” Authentic explained.
Teaming up with the Stingrays of Anguilla, a similar life empowerment programme for young people, the children toured the island, discovering caves that were once occupied by Amerindians. These caves, I’m told, are even more distinct and detailed than those we have in Barbuda. Many of them remain unexplored, and some are even hidden from the regular route.
From character building to development as proud, strong young men, the boys were given lectures on their Afro-Caribbean history, and through Priest Kidemi saw how men could interact and execute “traditionally female roles”. From cooking meals to genteel airs for the opposite ***, the boys – which ranged from age 10 to 16 – were able to explore various avenues of “manhood” without being effeminate.
Empress Ijahnya Christian, leader of the Stingrays we well as director of the Triple Crown Culture Yard in Anguilla where some of the activities were held, also entertained the young men with their programmes and Anguillan culture. The group was also entertained by reggae artiste Banky Banks at his Dune Preserve, where he hosts Moon Splash – a jazz festival – every year.
All returning with valuable lessons and an amazing summer, they’ll be happy to share with you their experiences during their graduation ceremony on 16 Sept., at Betty’s Hope. In addition to acknowledging the boys’ achievements, this will also be a great opportunity for other young men and young women who are interested in joining the Sankofa youth programme to find out more about their services and activities. Parents are invited to come with their children and learn more about the centre and how it could help prepare their children for a prosperous and healthy adulthood.
The Sankofa Life Centre, which celebrates seven years of existence this year – seven being the year of completion – is a centre dedicated to helping people discover their purpose in life, live fulfilling and happy lives that are a reflection of their rich Afro-Caribbean heritage. At Sankofa, it is believed that knowing where you come from, and what your past is, can only equip you with a strong present which will prepare you for a prosperous future.