A hot topic issue
which we discussed in our class, but which also extends beyond the boundaries
of our classroom, is an Afro-centric schooling system. This educational endeavor can be looked
at from a number of different angles, however my reflection will look to
critically analyze this system from my own point of view. Initially I found myself approaching
this topic from a “in the middle”, or “on the fence” perspective, but the more
and more I delve into the topic, the more I find myself supporting alternative
means of education, but opposing certain aspects of Afro-centric curriculum.
Toronto
boasts two Afro-centric schools geared towards offering an alternative means of
education, with a strong focus on celebrating Afro-centric history and
culture. The intention of the
alternative schooling system is to help with underachievement amongst the Black
community in Toronto, in addition to minimizing the dropout rate amongst this
demographic. The Afro-centric
schools are inclusive, in that anyone regardless of their race or the colour of
their skin can attend. The
curriculum in these institutions however, has a strong focus on African history
and celebrates the culture.
Afro-centric
schools are a step in the right direction for modernizing the education system,
but I don’t think they are the solution.
The curriculum which most institutions offer is based on or heavily
influenced by Euro-centric history.
The Afro-centric curriculum will not aim to completely eliminate European
history from its syllabus, but will allow students of African descent to understand
and embrace their cultural identity and provide them with a strong sense of
self; by means of education. But I
find myself asking, why must we limit this model to one specific group – how
can we do this for everyone?
Instead of creating institutions which offer curriculum which is
exclusive to one specific race or ethnicity, there needs to be more focus on
creating curriculum which is inclusive and celebratory of all races and
ethnicities. Canada’s population
is diverse in its’ ethnic background and heritage and our student population is
no different. The focus should not
be separating students or dividing curriculum in anyway, but implementing a
more collaborative approach to learning in school. A white student should learn about a black student’s
heritage; a Muslim student should learn about the LGBT movement in celebration
of a student who has two fathers; Asian history should be shared with a
Hispanic student, and so on.
Schools are the main artery for socialization and are what expose us to
different ideas, concepts and people.
I think it is important to keep students together for this reason, but
critical to create a more divergent learning curriculum. Whether you find yourself in the
confines of a boardroom working for an organization, or at a desk in a class
room, a unified ethnic, social, experience and cultural approach to learning, will
prove to be the most successful.
References
Robinson, K.
(2010, October 14). RSA
Animate – Changing Education Paradigms [video]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U.
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