SIMBA and NALA Playgroups
The SIMBA Boys and NALA Girls Playgroups are parallel rites-of-passage experiences for children of various ages, offered alongside the caregiver coaching sessions in WE-Empower Family and the Sankofa Family Intensive. Both playgroups are 10-week, culturally-grounded programs for children and youth that builds cultural identity, emotional regulation, and social skills through storytelling, mindfulness, and play-based learning.
Village-Connect's SIMBA and NALA Playgroups are offered to families in the 40x40 East Oakland area (94603, 94605, and 94621). Guided by ancestral wisdom and a Rites of Passage framework, the program creates intergenerational bonds that strengthen children, families, and communities.
There are various activities and available for the children and youth that enroll. Children between the ages of 5 and 7 are primarily Participants. Children between the ages of 8 and 10 are primarily Helpers. Youth between the ages of 11 and 15+ are primarily Junior Facilitators. Despite what the roles might suggest, all participants will have the opportunity to develop cultural identity, emotional regulation, and social skills.
SIMBA Boys Playgroup
The SIMBA Boys Playgroup employs culturally and linguistically responsive practices that represent his reality. Manhood Rites of Passage has been common practice in African tribes dating back thousands of years.
This project guides African American boys through a process of self-discovery with the aim of developing a healthy self-identity and comprehensive understanding of oneself - encompassing mind, body, and spirit. Experienced mentors facilitate positive interactions and role modeling sessions to enhance the efforts of home and school in supporting the children's growth and development.
Participants 5-7 • Helpers 8-10 • Junior Facilitators 11-15+
NALA Girls Playgroup
The NALA Girls Playgroup employs culturally and linguistically responsive practices that reflect her reality. Womanhood Rites of Passage have been a cornerstone of African communities for thousands of years.
This project guides African American girls through a process of self-discovery aimed at developing a healthy self-identity and a full understanding of oneself — mind, body, and spirit. Experienced mentors lead positive interactions and role-modeling sessions that strengthen the efforts of home and school in supporting each child’s growth and development.
Participants 5-7 • Helpers 8-10 • Junior Facilitators 11-15+
Edits in progress
Goals and Outcomes
Our seasoned facilitators/mentors will walk participants through 4 tracks of learning and being that focus on:
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Cultural identity and establishing a healthy self-image.
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Whole body activities to gain a deeper awareness of one’s whole self.
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Social emotional learning and how to navigate emotions.
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Self-industry and the ability to do.
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Children and youth participating in SIMBA and NALA will:
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Gain higher level of confidence through interaction with loving black role models.
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Increase kinesthetic, multisensory, and experiential learning.​
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Establish mantra of self-awareness.
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