Africentric school program under review

Chis Bolton

By Gerald Paul

 

The Africentric school programme being run in Toronto is under review – but in a good way.
“We are now thinking that we need to expand the number of sites so it’s closer to some of the kids,” said the Chair of the Toronto District School Board Chris Bolton.

Bolton noted that the Board is looking to see, in conjunction with the community, where there might be other opportunities to be able to offer programming , and whether it becomes a larger programme down the line.

Bolton said the board is looking at adding more Africentricprogrammes and courses in High Schools across the city.

According to Bolton, “We’d have courses with an Africentric focus in them in various locations, closer to the students.”

The lone programme for teens launched last fall at Scarborough’s Winston Churchill Collegiate with just six students.

However, enrolment has jumped to 18 – enough for a full Grade 9 class – for this coming Fall. Registration began in February.

“The programme (is at the beginning),” Bolton added. “Remember, this is the first year- and there’s this whole argument, if you build it, they will come.”