Rooted to Rise: The Power of Culturally-Grounded Learning for Children

In a world that is growing more interconnected yet often disconnected from heritage, providing children with culturally-grounded learning experiences is more important than ever. These kinds of experiences go beyond traditional education—they affirm identity, build confidence, and foster deep, authentic connection to family, history, and community.

Why Culture Matters in Early Childhood Development

Culture shapes how we see the world and ourselves. For young children, whose sense of identity is just beginning to form, being surrounded by stories, languages, songs, and practices that reflect who they are and where they come from helps lay a strong foundation of self-worth.

Research shows that culturally relevant education has wide-ranging benefits. Children exposed to culturally affirming learning:

• Develop stronger social-emotional skills

• Build a deeper sense of belonging and pride

• Are more likely to engage meaningfully in group settings

• Show greater curiosity and openness to learning

  
  

A 2021 study published in Child Development found that children who participated in programs rooted in their cultural heritage demonstrated higher levels of empathy and prosocial behavior, especially when caregivers were also engaged in the process.

From Culture to Connection

When children experience learning through the lens of their cultural traditions—whether through drumming, storytelling, food preparation, or language play—they're not just picking up new skills. They're absorbing a sense of legacy.

These moments create bonds between children and elders, build bridges across generations, and cultivate values of respect, community, and shared responsibility.

And for boys in particular—who are often socialized to disconnect from emotion and creativity—culturally rooted playgroups offer a space to explore their identities with pride, softness, and joy.

Creating Safe, Joyful, and Rooted Spaces

Programs that center culture don’t just teach—they restore. They invite families into the process, honor the uniqueness of each child, and recognize that learning is most powerful when it affirms the whole child: body, mind, and spirit.

We’ve seen how culturally-grounded experiences can transform a child’s sense of self. Whether through song circles, ancestral games, or guided storytelling rooted in African and diasporic traditions, we witness children come alive—confident, curious, and connected.

Want to Learn More?

If this resonates with you, and you’re exploring ways for your son to engage in joyful, culturally grounded learning with other boys, Village-Connect’s WE-Empower Family Program, together with its SIMBA Boys Playgroup is welcoming a new cohort this July. It’s a space for play, learning, and connection, grounded in love and cultural pride.

If you want to know more about SIMBA Boys Playgroup, you may visit our website.