The Unika-Unidad Program

The Unika-Unidad Program is a cultural education and arts out-of-school program with emphasis on African and Latin American history. The program is available during after school hours and summer/winter break sessions. The activities are held within school districts, churches/ministries, recreational, and cultural centers that are interested in partnering with CRAFTT in multicultural communities. Special emphasis is placed on implementing this program in areas that are projected as at-risk or economically classified as low-income.

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As an out-of-school initiative, the program is divided into two (2) levels: The Junior Scholar Program (Grades 4-5) and The Senior Scholar Program (Grades 6-8). The word “Unika” originates from Malawi, which means “to shine” and the term “Unidad” is of Spanish origin, which means “unity.“ The vision for the program is to empower youth to think and develop progressively while “shining in unity.” Students on both scholar levels will have the opportunity to explore cultural topics and arts that are specifically found within Latin American, Caribbean, and African Diaspora Studies.

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The program will provide daily courses in cultural education and arts, support academic building with tutoring in history/social studies, promote language diversity, develop basic home economic skills, and offer single gender preparation classes for active participation in the graduation/rites of passage presentation in grades 5th and 8th. Graduation with Honors will be received by students who completed both junior and senior scholar programs consecutively from grades 4-8. The program will encourage cultural awareness, academic and social responsibility, team/community building, promote positive self-development, and exploration of and participation in cultural arts.