KNOWLEDGE
OF SELF
A character and life-skills-building program that uses basic African-centered principles and artistic, cultural awareness to teach skills necessary for positive social engagement in family, community, and professional settings. KOS works on the premise that self-awareness, self-appreciation, and cultural pride can improve all levels of social engagement for young people.
IWA PELE
BALANCED AND GENTLE CHARACTER.
The Yoruba of Nigeria refer to Iwa Pele as balanced or gentle character. Iwa is a set of qualities that makes someone interesting or attractive. Especially someone's qualities of mind and feelings. Iwa Pele also refers to a person's reputation.
MA'AT
ORDER.
Ma'at is the African concept of order. Ma'at prevents chaos. The opposite of order is chaos.
Living Ma'at includes:
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Truth - the truth of who I am
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Balance - an even distribution of weight, enabling something to remain upright and steady
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Order - arrangement of things in relation to each other in a sequence; pattern or method
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Harmony - things working in tandem (working together, like a sports team)
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Justice - ensuring that situations and people are treated just and fair
UBUNTU
I AM BECAUSE WE ARE (BANTU).
Ubuntu teaches us that we can't be human all by ourselves. We are human because we are a part of a community. Ubuntu teaches us unity and solidarity. Ubuntu is about working as a unit instead of working as individuals.
OUR PROGRAMS
Our programs are culturally responsive, self-affirming, and help to restore the life outcomes of the youth we serve. Check them out below.
