SANKOFA After School Program to Re-Open
August 30, 2007
Aug 31, 2007 -- /prbuzz/ --Philadelphia, Pa. August 15, 2007- After closing their doors two years ago, Canaan Baptist Church will re-open the SANKOFA After School Academic Enrichment Program, offering school age children (ages 5- 12) a chance to have fun while enhancing academic and social skills. SANKOFA operated in the community from 1993 until 2005, serving over 1500 children. The program has been re-structured to focus more on academic enrichment and cultural awareness the program will offer homework help, along with reading/writing and math workshops, in a structured and loving environment.

Executive Director, Jacqueline Crawford is committed to educating our children. “Having been a teacher in the Philadelphia School System for 30 years I am sensitive to the needs of urban children, she stated. “I retired and began researching best practices and developing learning programs geared towards disadvantaged children. After the recent school district cuts, the children’s needs may be cut. The Sankofa program will offer parents peace of mind while their children are learning what they may have missed in school. ”

What sets Sankofa apart from other after school programs is a structured daily itinerary. During that 3.5 hour period (3:00pm-6:30pm children will get a chance release daily stress in the first 10 minutes through exercise and breathing techniques The next 20 minutes is spent with their group and mentors. Any problems or challenges that occurred during the day are discussed and possible solutions explored. Each day there will be a 10-minute presentation on a notable person who resembles them.

Homework time is serious and the allotted time for homework is 1-hr. (4pm-5pm), Acardia University has partnered with us to provide internships for their graduate students. They will assist Sankofa’s students in reading, math and science; assess their needs and provide tutoring/lab activities and workshops. Negotiations are in the making with other area universities and colleges to form similar partnerships.

The Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education has agreed to provide tennis lessons in the Fall and Spring. So far, individuals have come forth to teach sewing/arts and crafts, drama and martial arts.

Canaan Baptist Church is known for its help in the community and has been productive in its mission of evangelism and stewardship. Canaan understands the diverse needs of the community and opened their day care center in 1979. Between 1993-2006, under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Gus Roman, they formed a children’s church, purchased a property at 302 School House Lane and developed it into a center for community services; providing job readiness programs, services for ex-offender and SANKOFA.

Now, under the leadership of Reverend Derick Brennan (who is primarily committed to a wholistic ministry and concentrates on the spiritual growth of each member), Canaan launched its Centennial Campaign to raise funds for much needed capital improvements to all properties owned by the church. Plans to add new services and expand existing programs in the areas of education, counseling, personal growth, health care and civic responsibilities are already under way.

SANKOFA’S will host an Open House on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at Canaan Baptist Church, 5430 Pulaski Avenue from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. For additional information, please call 215-848-6311.





###
About the Press Release
After closing their doors two years ago, Canaan Baptist Church will re-open the SANKOFA After School Academic Enrichment Program, offering school age children (ages 5- 12) a chance to have fun while enhancing academic and social skills. SANKOFA operated in the community from 1993 until 2005, serving over 1500 children. The program has been re-structured to focus more on academic enrichment and cultural awareness the program will offer homework help, along with reading/writing and math workshops, in a structured and loving environment.


 
< Prev   Next >