Here is a piece of Black History...! Sankofa (sang-ko-fah) Have you ever heard of the Sankofa bird? The concept of SANKOFA is derived from King Adinkera of the Akan people of West Afrika. SANKOFA is expressed in the Akan language as "se wo were fi na wosan kofa a yenki." Literally translated it means "it is not taboo to go back and fetch what you forgot". "Sankofa" teaches us that we must go back to our roots in order to move forward. That is, we should reach back and gather the best of what our past has to teach us, so that we can achieve our full potential as we move forward. Whatever we have lost, forgotten, forgone or been stripped of, can be reclaimed, revived, preserved and perpetuated.

Black History Month

Black History Month 2008

What is happening for Black History Month at Jaku Konbit?

A New Research Study entitled "Uncovering Barriers to Success for Black-Canadian Youth"

In anticipation of Black History Month 2008, Jaku Konbit in partnership with Carleton University's Masters of Social Work program will be conducting a groundbreaking study on barriers to academic success for Black-Canadian youth in the Canadian school system. The project hopes to uncover challenges that are hampering many black youth in achieving higher levels of Academic success. Please learn more about this informative study below.

Uncovering Barriers to Educational Success for Black-Canadian Youth

Are you seeking to understand many of the challenges facing your child in the school system? If yes, maybe we can help!

Student Researchers from Carleton University’s Master of Social Work Program will be conducting research to identify the educational barriers and factors which lead to success, particularly in the areas of Math, Science, and English, in respect to youth of African and Caribbean decent.

We are seeking Black youth between the ages of 16 -19 years to participate in our interactive, focus groups geared to uncover the challenges and barriers hampering them in the education system. The end result of this pioneering study is to assist Black youth in Ottawa to become better prepared for educational success! In addition, this study will help Jaku Konbit better serve children and youth of African and Caribbean descent by designing and enhancing programs that are geared to their academic needs. Let us all help to create winning conditions for Black-Canadian children and youth to succeed!

Interested teens and their parents can get involved in this informative study by contacting Jaku Konbit, a service-based, non-profit organization serving the Black community in Ottawa at 613-567-0600 or email kemetca@yahoo.ca. You can learn more about Jaku Konbit, its programs, services and events by visiting www.jakukonbit.com.

Additional Information:

Refreshments will be served.