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Freedom School Keeps Local Youths Energized about Learning

What better way for young children to start a morning of summer classes than dancing the Nae Nae to “Drop That NaeNae” by We Are Toonz?

The second and third-graders of the Freedom School think so as they begin a day in Duke's Old Chemistry Building. The room bustled with energy as the students prepared for harambee. The 30-minute energizing session is the wake-up call for students in the Duke University-Children Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom School.

“Our side is crunker than your side!” shouted enrichment coordinator Taylor Parker, a N.C. State graduate student. She is an Ella Baker national trainer for CDF who instructs interns to teach in Freedom School Programs across the country.

Veins bulged and arms flailed as the deep, funky Harambee beat came on and a roar ripped through the room—“It’s Friday at Harambee and Freedom School’s in the house, say what?” The energy continues as students and faculty yell shout outs and celebrate the joy of learning. The infectious feeling begins with the instructors, who sing and dance along with the students.

Harambee is a Kiswahili word that means “let’s pull together." It was first used as sense of unity upon the release of Jomo Kenyatta, a political activist, from prison in Kenya. Kenyatta was treated inhumanely during his incarceration but inspired Kenyans with his kind and powerful words upon his release.

The CDF Freedom School dates back to 1964 and the Civil Rights Movement, when Freedom Schools were created first in Mississippi to create a richer educational experience for African-American children.  In 1992, the Children's Defense Fund resurrected the program in partnership with colleges and universities, churches and other organization throughout the country.  This is the third year for the summer school at Duke.

Following the opening dance, the sound in the classroom lowered to hush as the students welcomed a guest reader. Each day, a member of the local community helps to encourage student reading by bringing in a favorite children's story.

This morning, a Durham Public School teacher read stories by author Jan Thomas; As "Can You Make a Scary Face?" was read, students played along with the story and swatted at invisible bugs and growled at giant frogs.

“We get all these people to come read to let the scholars know that no matter what profession they choose, reading is always fun and important,” said Andy Smith, site coordinator for the school.

The students then danced, thanked their reader with another chant and quickly quieted down, sitting on the floor to begin singing Labi Siffre’s “Something Inside So Strong.”

Everything about The Freedom School is designed to affirm the value of each participant and prepare them for the work and learning ahead.  When the students were asked for shout outs, Mitchell Jimenez, a 7 year-old first grader, was among the first students to raise his hand.

“I’d like to recognize everybody for being the best class,” said Jimenez.

“[Chants] get the students used to call and response, to stay active, and learn community values,” Parker said.

freedom school

Young Freedom School students take a water break after a morning of crafts and outdoor activity.

Following harambee, the students head to classrooms for learning activities. Each room had a theme, ranging from Elmo’s Diner and Dr. Seuss to Space Cadets. Hands-on science experiments and history lessons are closely integrated with encouraging students to do further reading.

“Our focus is to instill a love of learning, to enjoy books and to see themselves in books,” said assistant coordinator Morgan Graves.

Some of the activities included creating self-portraits with pasta, designing and constructing egg-protecting contraptions, and making friendship bracelets for the elderly.

“I love how we always have so much fun,” said Jimenez. “My favorite part is reading.”

The six-week program also has weekly themes encouraging the students to make a difference in their community, their family and their schools and to find the connections between all of those spheres of their lives.

The staff are trained and paid undergraduate and graduate student interns who help give a positive role model for the scholars.

 “Students are getting that one-on-one time so that their voices can be heard,” Parker said.

Leah Montgomery and Bernatta Palmer are NC Central University students who are working this summer in the Duke Office of News and Communications.