Reclaiming Our Children's Education: Building a Fortress of Support for Children of African Descent

Abstract

Reclaiming the education of our children consists of multiple elements that go far beyond the classroom. This article critically examines the Network for the Development of Children of African Descent (NdCAD) in regards to the organization's work in the lives of African American children and the community surrounding them. Education plays an important role in a child's future academic success, cultural identity, and spirituality. The NdCAD created three programs to help engage the community in the development of Black children. They include the Sankofa Reading Program™, “Parent Power” Literacy & Advocacy Workshops™, and the book distribution program. The Literacy programs are presented, described and applied to the unique needs of these students, including their cultural and social development, spiritual values, and the role of the Black Church in their academic achievement. Solutions are offered to assist communities and schools in growing and constructing a supportive environment for children as they progress through the education system.