Empowering our Youth.
We believe that “it takes a village to raise a child”. This familiar African proverb is at the heart of our commitment to continuously seek the well-rounded development of the youth in our community. Our youth programs provide a nurturing space for underrepresented youth in Madison and Dane County to value themselves, and their identities, and see themselves as positive change catalysts and promoters. Our youth programs aim to support youth navigating cultural transitions and bridging the achievement gap through educational field trips and afterschool programs.
Youth Programs
Our Objectives
- Enhance the understanding of African cultural heritage and history
- Build a positive youth peer community
- Provide opportunities for underserved youth in our community
Upcoming Youth Events
Children's African Story Hour (CASH)
Travelling to Africa through Storytelling, Songs, Food and Interactive Activities
It is an opportunity for your children, grandchildren and little friends to learn about Africa, different cultures and diverse culinary traditions.
- Date: October 13th, 2025
- Time: 4pm - 5pm
- Location: Pinney Libray, 516 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, 53716
Past Initiatives
Back to Our Roots Cultural Festival
A festival for Youth of African Descent to Celebrate their culture
This initiative was spearheaded by our five high school volunteers. Back to Our Roots was launched as a cultural festival that highlights African culture through food, music, education, and community. This event is not just about celebration, but also about reconnection—for youth of African descent, for their peers, and for the next generation.
The event was featured by WMTV 15. Watch here
- Date: August 23rd, 2025
- Location: The Salvation Army Community Center, 3030 Darbo Dr, Madison, WI 53714
Sponsor:
UW African Studies Program provided the artifacts representing the different regions of Africa.
Bike4Kids in April
Youth in Green Transportation
We distributed over 140 bikes and helmets to kids in our community to ensure every child has the opportunity use a bike or learn to use a bike. We appreciate the enthusiastic community support for this initiative. It underscores our mission to empower communities and create meaningful change.
- Date: April 5th, 2025
- Location: 67 Nob Hill Rd, Madison, WI 53713
Sponsor:
The bikes were made available to children in our community thanks to the sponsorship of the UW South Madison Partnership.
In collaboration with:
Virtual information session
FREE information session for high school students, parents, teachers, counselors, and guardians about:
- UW Carbone Cancer Center High School Cancer Research Internship which places interns in a mentor lab to participate in cutting-edge cancer research. Visit website
- Six-week clinical research experience at the Department of Surgery at the University of Wisconsin under the mentorship of enthusiastic faculty and medical students. Visit website
- CEOs of Tomorrow’s These Teens Mean Busine$$ Incubator that builds the entrepreneurial skills and critical thinking of high school students. Visit website
- African Association of Madison scholarship application. Click here to apply or visit website
- Ladidi Garba Scholarship for high school students in involved in arts, music, acting, etc. Click here to apply or visit website.
Transitional Cultural Literacy Program (TCLP) (2019 - 2021)
Afterschool Cultural Program
This program was designed in the framework of cultural grounding and social navigation, the children who participated in the program increased their knowledge and self-confidence and also got the opportunity to engage more with other students and diverse cultures. Students were offered free hot lunches with fruits and water, which added to their excitement about the program.
Recognition of past sponsors of TCLP:
- City of Madison
- Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD)
- Goodman Community Center
- Marcy Peters-Felice
- Friends of the late Professor Tejumola Olaniyan
Past Educational Field Trips
African Youth Legislative Day
Black History Month Celebration
We visited the Wisconsin State Capitol as part of celebrations of Black History Month. Students from East High School’s Africa Club and Black Student Union (BSU) interacted with States Representatives Samba Baldeh, Shiela Stubbs and Francesca Hong. All three representatives shared their story and inspired the students to get involved in decision-making and to aspire to be the next generation of change catalysts and leaders Wisconsin needs.
- Date: February 23rd, 2024
- Location: Wisconsin State Capitol
Sponsors & Partners
- Office of the State Representative Samba Baldeh
- We are Many – United Against Hate Movement
- Goodman Community Center
- UW South Madison Partnership
African Center STEM Day
Space Exploration
We organized a field trip for young members of our community, ages 6-12, to explore the science of space travel and the wonders of our universe.
Funded with donations from individual supporters like you.
- Dates: August 25th and 26th, 2023
- Locations: UW Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC), UW Space Place, and the Wisconsin Science
Tour of America's Black Holocaust Museum (ABHM) in Milwaukee, WI
Community Reflection Project
In August of 2022, we organized a tour of America’s Black Holocaust Museum (ABHM) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The trip was the fulcrum of our Community Reflection Project aimed to provide cultural and historical education to children in the African immigrant community of Madison and Dane County. The students who joined us for this cultural trip learned more about the history and memorials of the Black Holocaust and also understood how Black American culture is inherently linked to African heritage. As we toured the museum, chaperones answered lingering questions on ancestry, identity, and a sense of belonging. Participants also visited the Milwaukee County Zoo and enjoyed a wonderful ride on the skyline.
- Dates: August 25th and 26th, 2023
- Locations: UW Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC), UW Space Place, and the Wisconsin Science
With Support from:
2022 United Way Micro Investment Grant
We look forward to hearing from you.