Barbados taking African awareness into schools

http://www.caribbean360.com/index.php/news/barbados_news/441749.html#axzz1Nm6wgjXf Barbados taking African awareness into schools BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Wednesday May 25, 2011 – Approximately 30 teachers from primary and secondary schools will today be installed as Africentric Ambassadors to promote African education in schools across the island. These Mabalozi – Swahili for ambassadors – will serve as the Commission of Pan-African Affairs' official representatives for building Africentric awareness and promoting African- centred education at their schools. The teachers were given support from their principals to attend workshops on 'Building our Children's Self-Esteem using Afrikan Heritage and Values' and were trained in African sagacity, Pan-Africanism and Africentricity. In addition, the Mabalozi learn ancient and modern African history, the African origins of civilisation, the diverse African origins of Caribbean peoples, and African spirituality, values and social structures, among others. Their installation ceremony will be held this afternoon, following an inaugural Mabalozi conference. The Commission explained that the symposium would be held annually to "promote the cross fertilisation of ideas and collective strategies towards reinforcing our children's sense of identity in order to build self-esteem and confidence" and ultimately encourage national development. The agency has challenged teachers to work together, share knowledge and experiences and find "creative and empowering solutions" to the root problems of low self-esteem and lack of confidence. The inaugural Mabalozi Conference and Mabalozi Installation Ceremony are in special recognition of Africa Day, which is being commemorated today, and the United Nations designated International Year for People of African Descent.