Opinion

By PAT WATSON
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With all the talk and high emotions about the need for Afrocentric schools and the long stall on seeing them materialize within Ontario's formal education system, it seems like a good time to remind readers, especially those with children in the school system who need a boost, that there are alternatives within the community. There are individuals and groups working with passion and care to give children in our community the education that matters to them.

Most of these services are extracurricular taking place on weekends and after school. Until we win the battle to get Afrocentric schools and curricula into the formal system, it is in the best interest of Black children and their families to get them involved otherwise.

One such organization is the African Canadian Heritage Association (ACHA), perhaps one of the best-kept secrets in the Black community. This parent-run organization has been operating since 1969 and has a number of successes to report. Well organized, with a board of directors, a parent committee and four paid teachers - some of whom went through its program as youths - ACHA is self-supporting and has become a model for transferring African heritage to the next generation.

Registration normally begins in September, but anyone interested in having his or her child attend can participate during the year, which runs until June.

The ACHA program is aimed at children ages five to 16, but consideration is now being given to expanding the age range for participation. There are now 30 children attending on Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. but ACHA member Louis March says that if 100 children show up they would be accommodated. He said the program is structured and expectations are made clear for both students and parents.

ACHA, located at Centennial College's Progress Campus (at Markham Road and Hwy. 401), teaches African Heritage and language that includes African history lessons, arts and crafts and special events for the youth. Also included are communal lunches prepared by parents and students. ACHA special events include a Youth Retreat, an Entrepreneur's Day, a Black History Challenge and participation in the annual Visions of Science exposition. Additionally, there are workshops for parents.

March, who is responsible for public relations for ACHA, explained that the program is created by the parents themselves and that their input is significant. Being self-supporting ACHA, raises fund through two events each year, the major fundraiser being the annual Umoja Walkathon.

The program has to its credit at least four Harry Jerome award winners among its past students, who were recognized for their community building accomplishments.

Over its 34-year history, ACHA has been at a number of locations including Harbourfront. For the past two years it has been at Centennial College, and March sees that location as a plus for those living in the Malvern area, since it is easily accessible to this high need area.

Registration costs between $50 and $60 and the rate is adjusted if more than one child per family attends. To learn more about the ACHA call 416-208-3149 or see the website at www.achaonline.org.

Other organizations focused on Afrocentric teaching and parent/child support include the following:

It Takes a Village in Ajax at McLean Community Centre, 95 Magill Drive. Call 905-427-7511 or e-mail info@itav.org.

The Organization of Parents of Black Children (416-978-5511), which meets on the last Thursday of each month at 49 St. George Street. That's the Transitional Year Program building at the University of Toronto.

Brenda Pierre operates the "Children First" program in St. James Town as a full-time volunteer, Monday to Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the summer months. Call 416-964-7425.

Afrocentric Homeschoolers Association provides advocacy, support and educational counselling for Black parents and students. Call 705-742-4746 or visit the website, www.oocities.org/blackhomeschool.

Black Scholar Academy provides math and language instructions. Call 416-503-0045.

Harriet Tubman Organization offers tutoring, games, heritage classes, drama and crafts. Call 416-496-2044.

Tropicana Community Services. Call 416-439-9009 ext. 31; the Canadian Alliance of Black Educators - 905-896-2064; the Black Educators Working Group - 416-447-2777.

PEACH - 416-739-0271; the Black Secretariat - 416-924-1104; and the Jamaican Canadian Association - 416-746-5772.