Letter from the Executive Director - Afua N'Diaye
Dear Supporter(s),
The mission of Adefua, a nonprofit 501c(3) organization, is to create, expand and offer options for youth to enhance growth, personal development and academic success through the study of African culture, music, and dance. Adefua's programs include a wide variety of events benefiting our community, most offered free of charge or at a very low cost:
For the past 25 years, the Adefua Cultural Education Workshop (ACEW) has presented high-quality cultural and educational workshops and presentations throughout the Pacific Northwest, helping participants and spectators to appreciate and understand cultural differences.
The mission of Adefua, an African music and dance company, is to create, expand and offer options for youth to enhance growth, personal development and academic success through the study of African culture, music, and dance. Adefua's programs include school presentations and workshops (African Arts for All to See), year-round community dance classes (offered free of charge or at a very low fee), a spring recital (presented by all students of the company from the year), a large community festival in the fall (the Odunde Festival), two summer cultural camps (one for families and one for school-aged children), and Career Pathways work-based learning program to help underachieving students become successful and productive citizens, and a fall open house. The chief ingredients for success include a solid curriculum for students dedicated to state's Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALR), committed individuals, and community participation and support.
It is for our dance workshops that we are asking for the support of YOU and The Community. Participation in the workshops is primarily by children of color, most of whom are recruited from day care centers and from various schools in the Rainier Valley. Research and practical experience has shown that participation in cultural enrichment programs can be a successful strategy for keeping kids off drugs and away from alcohol. Participating in a community organization that stresses group cohesion, individual responsibility, and personal achievement has also been shown to promote healthy self-esteem in children. And when the resilience of our community's youth is strengthened, we all benefit. We are requesting your support will enable us to continue to keep our community classes open and accessible to all, especially those for who even a small fee it may be a barrier to participation.
Sincerely,
Afua N'Diaye
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