AkomaAsa Youth Exchange

International Social Cultural Educational Exchange

 
 

WHAT WILL THEY BE DOING?

The focus of the AkomaAsa youth International Social Cultural Educational Exchange programme (ISCEE) is self- development, building character, social, historical and cultural awareness. Emphasis is placed on fundamental skills which are transferable across continents including communication, presentation, interpretative and performance skills.

Through individual and group activities, the young people will be given a broad introduction to the historical and cultural context of the art of African dance forms and music. They will develop a range of skills to express themselves in new ways and explore, create, refine, and reflect on the development of their creative and performance art. Working in a different environment, they will have the opportunity to collaborate with local Senegalese young people in creative workshops, field trips, visit different cultural centres and historical locations which will deepen the learning experience for all involved.

THE COSTS, AND WHY WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

AkomaAsa youth ISCEE programme will be financed through grants, donations and funds raised through performances and community events. This will involve activities facilitated by the young people and the wider AkomaAsa community.

The funding will cover costs such as flights and local travel, accommodation, food, École des Sâbles programme fees, insurance, educational activities, field trips and tours.

In addition, costs covered by parents include visas, vaccinations and UK group travel to the airport. Additional activities outside of the scheduled programme, will be self-funded by parents of the young people.

 
 
 
 
 

SOCIAL CULTURAL CREATIVE EDUCATION

The programme’s social, cultural and creative activities will offer opportunities for enjoyment, learning, meaning-making, and self-actualisation. This is an opportunity for young people, artists and support teams to engage in authentic cultural experiences that broaden the horizons of all involved. ISCEE's aim is to promote social, cultural and educational development by empowering young people to serve as key agents in promoting self confidence, creative excellence, well being, cultural appreciation and intercultural understanding.

BENIFITS

Young people will:

  • Build confidence, develop self-esteem, skills, and abilities in dance, music, education and other areas of their lives.

  • Gain first-hand experience of engaging and connecting with the rich cultural heritage of West Africean music and dance.

  • Deepen their understanding and connection to their own creative works, processes and performances Raise their awareness of their own social, cultural background and history to gain a sense of belonging and pride in their heritage.

  • Learn about the history, tradition and cultural arts of Senegal within the context of world history.

  • Meet, engage and exchange with the local Senegalese Community, learning about the beauty of citizenship through lived experiences.

  • Be able to apply and transfer the knowledge and experience gained from the exchange to empower family and friends and the wider community.

    If you are interested in participating or want to support us, please contact us.

 

FAQ about Youth Exchange

  • AkomaAsa Arts: a multi-disciplinary arts and cultural education organisation

    At AkomaAsa Arts, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive arts and cultural education to children and young individuals aged 6-16+. Our organisation offers training in dance, music, drama, and various performing arts disciplines.

    We take immense pride in empowering our youth with a deep appreciation and understanding of the vibrant creative arts heritage of Africa and the Diaspora, as well as British and other cultures.

    Through collaborative working relationships and partnerships, we strive to expose young people to a diverse spectrum of performing arts practices, enhancing their cultural awareness and broadening their artistic horizons. By fostering these connections and offering a platform for exploration and expression, we aim to inspire and shape the next generation of culturally literate and creatively adept individuals.

  • Our exchange programs are meticulously crafted to achieve various goals, including nurturing potential, developing minds, inspiring creativity, encouraging innovation, and building confidence and skills in the next generation of creators and performers.

    Specifically, the youth International Social Cultural Exchange program is designed to educate young individuals about cultural globalism, fostering an appreciation for diversity and interconnectedness on a global scale. Through engaging with different cultures, traditions, and perspectives, participants in our exchange programs not only expand their knowledge and understanding but also develop essential skills in communication, collaboration, leadership and adaptability. By immersing themselves in cross-cultural experiences, our participants gain valuable insights that shape them into well-rounded, open-minded, and culturally aware individuals prepared to excel in an increasingly interconnected world.

  • In Africa, dance and music is an integral part of the social and cultural way of life. African dance forms and music is a way of life. As part of AkomaAsa's aim to empower young people with knowledge and understanding of arts and culture around the world, the organisation has launched the AkomaAsa youth International Social Cultural Educational Exchange programme ("ISCEE").

    This is an extraordinary opportunity for young people. ISCEE brings together young people from different cultural backgrounds with professional artists and creative educators for a shared experience. The programme encourages young people to reflect, learn, and develop new skills, to find their place in the world and contribute as strong confident global citizens. Throughout the process young people will be sharing their journey through digital storytelling, video journaling, blogging and performances.

  • The AkomaAsa youth ISCEE is offered to young people between the ages of 10 to 18 who are part of the AkomaAsa Arts community. This is a great chance for the young people to further expand on the knowledge which they have already acquired through attending the academy. Involvement in the programme is also extended to family members as a way of further supporting the young people's learning and development.

    Young people will be invited to make an application where they will have the opportunity to express why they should be supported to participate in the AkomaAsa youth ISCEE programme, how they can contribute and what they think they will gain from the experience.

  • The first AkomaAsa youth ISCEE programme was March - April 2024. Other future exchange programmes will take place over Easter and Summer holiday periods.

  • The learning will be a combination of tutor and student led classes, workshops, talks and creative sessions. The workshops and classes will be delivered by world-class professional artists and creative educators to build aspiration and to show the young people the breadth of talent and skill that exists in Africa and the diaspora.

    The young people will train in a range of dance forms learning to use movement and voice as a tool to explore the rich varied traditions of African creative arts. The AkomaAsa youth ISCEE programme will give the children a chance to learn more about African music and drumming techniques. The experience will give the young people access to a new landscape introducing them to different ways of working that aims to motivate, empower, and expand their knowledge, creativity and understanding.

  • Our first exchange programme took place in April 2024 at the world-renowned École des Sâbles in Senegal, West Africa, home of the renowned Senegalese dancer and choreographer Germaine Acogny. A group of AkomaAsa young people, tutors, collaborators, support staff and parents will embark on a fourteen-day life-enhancing experience. This will offer all involved the opportunity to further enrich their lives through dance and music within the context of African art and culture of the African Continent. Other countries we aim to visit include Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria, Jamaica, Barbados, Brazil and Cuba.

  • École des Sâbles in Senegal, West Africa is dedicated to professional training for dancers from all over Africa in traditional and contemporary African dances.

    Its objectives are to professionalise African dancers, allow them to be able to live from their art, encourage communication and collaboration between dancers and choreographers.

    The International Centre for Traditional and Contemporary African Dance, École des Sâbles is located near Toubab Dialao, a fishing village 53 km south of Dakar, at the foot of a lagoon between the ocean and a savannah. The Centre has two dance studios (400 m2 and 280 m2), 24 bungalows for trainee accommodation, a restaurant, a conference room and an infirmary.

  • The application process for the youth International Social Cultural Educational Exchange (ISCEE) programme involves young applicants articulating why they should be chosen to participate in this transformative opportunity. Applicants are encouraged to convey how their unique backgrounds and experiences can enrich the exchange, outlining the valuable contributions they can make to the program. Furthermore, candidates are expected to reflect on what they hope to gain from the ISCEE experience, demonstrating a genuine eagerness to learn, grow, and broaden their cultural horizons.

    Through this application process, aspiring participants are encouraged to showcase their passion for intercultural understanding, their eagerness to engage with diverse perspectives, and their commitment to fostering global connections and dialogue. The first AkomaAsa youth ISCEE programme took place in March - April 2024. Contact AkomaAsa by email: africandancemusic@akomaasa.com

  • If you are interested in participating or want to support us, please contact us.

    Contact Us

    Phone:  +44 (0)7958 714027

    Email: akosua@akomaasa.com

    Facebook: @AkomaAsaArts 

    Instagram: akomaasaarts

    X aka(Twitter): @AkomaAsa

    Website: www.akomaasa.com