V4A AFRICAN DANCE GROUP

Teaching kids about world cultures helps them appreciate the differences in people and their traditions. Learning about their culture gives them identity and helps to boost their self esteem. V4A in partnership with Missouri Arts Council, offers classes on African Dance, swahili classes and African culture to immigrant kids in St. Louis.

Immigrant parents have willingly made many sacrifices, but often do not anticipate the culture clash and conflict with their own teens who, growing up in America, have a far greater identification with American culture. Their behavior and values may baffle or appall these parents and defeat their expectations. Sometimes the teens have internal conflict as well. They may feel culturally split, trying to be a dutiful, traditional child at home and an all American girl/boy at school. These competing requirements can be very stressful as teens essentially lead a double life, with all the lies that entails.

V4A promotes discussion forums and activities between parents and kids to help improve communication and resolve conflicts. In June we had a memorable dady/daughter dinner date and every Friday over seventy kids meets to play the game of soccer together. This gives parents and kids opportunity to exercise and to bond. Supportive and close family relationships protect your child from risky behaviour like alcohol and other drug use, and problems like depression. Your support and interest in what your child is doing at school can boost his desire to do well academically too. Strong family relationships can go a long way towards helping your child grow into a well-adjusted, considerate and caring adult.

Community Engagement

F4KIDZ African Performing Arts offers unique opportunity to share the rich African culture through dance and music. This group of young artists comprising of middle school immigrant students, uses the dance and drumming to promote the African culture in Missouri.

In addition to general entertainment, this program creates a platform for African Kids and youth to boost their self-esteem, confidence and sense of identity.  By sharing their stories and experiences, many teachers, students and staff are more equipped to relate well with people from diverse background.

In the past this group have performed at Missouri museum, Festival of Nations, Magic house and has been to six school districts in St Louis.

F4KIDZ African Performing Arts group are available to entertain your audience in your audience at (school, church, daycare, weddings, college) or passport night, diversity night, multicultural night and festival of nations events. 

To book the group, please email Faiza :faiza@vitendo4africa.org or call 314 252 0488.

Vitendo4africa is a non-profit organization registered in Missouri as 501 C (3) whose activities are directed towards empowering communities through educational and outreach programs in Missouri.

Missouri Arts Museum

There are different ways you can make a difference in the lives of immigrant and refugees women.

1. Donate

2. Volunteer as a guest speaker or a mentor

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3. Host a fundraising event.