Column: Van Putten On Cultural Education
[Opinion column written by Mwalimu Melodye Micere Van Putten]
The journey to Ashay at Bermuda College has been arduous and fulfilling! A small group of committed folks have been working with me for over a decade to bring Ashay Clubs to the beloved Bermuda community. Over the years, we have conducted Ashay classes for young people from ages 5 to 16 at North Village Community Club, St. Monica’s Church Hall and the Bahai’ Spiritual Centre. Adult classes, known as Ashay University, have been conducted at the Bermuda National Library and North Village Community Club. The Ashay Community Family are excited and looking forward to having the entire Ashay Project – from children to adults – under one special umbrella called Bermuda College.
Ashay at Bermuda College is becoming an exciting journey that began in earnest this week.
I was invited to participate in the Bermuda College Club Fair as part of Orientation Day for new students. Given the opportunity to speak with students and invite them to be a part of the inaugural Bermuda College Ashay Club was a great experience. Ashay is being welcomed as an important initiative for the College, as well as the community. The experience was also eye-opening. Of the dozen or so students who stopped by my table, only one said they had any formal academic knowledge of Africa beyond enslavement! And she was Caucasian…
Coming home from the fair, I had no choice but to reflect on this! How did this happen? Why, in 2026, are Bermuda’s students still only taught the dominant narrative that omits the fact that African people literally established the foundations of world civilization?
Miseducation happens when young people learn about everything and everyone except oneself. Miseducation is one reason some of our young people – especially our boys – are education-alienated. They do not see themselves reflected in their school curricula. Many can’t help but wonder why do they need to learn about the achievements of others, as if Black people don’t exist. They are left wondering did their African ancestors do anything?
As I mentioned in an earlier essay, young people who experience cultural classes develop a grounded sense of Self – rooted in history, culture, responsibilities, and identity. This foundation nurtures self-esteem, motivation, and pride. It gives them a purpose anchored in something larger than themselves. This is why other ethnic groups faithfully provide this type of cultural experience for their youth. They are not waiting on education systems outside of their control.
Another well-known African proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Ashay is an important cultural foundation for a village that raises young people who know who they are and aspire to excellence. As the first people to live on the earth, African people literally created the building blocks of civilization. African excellence is reflected in the creation of the world’s first schools and universities. The University of Sankore specialized in teaching science, medicine, commerce systems, governance, poetry, and spiritual practices. To know this is to conclude that Black people are descents of excellence, but our young people must learn this in order to live up to their highest potential. In fact, Ashay’s motto is Africa = Excellence!
Ashay at Bermuda College. Join us at the Open House on Friday, August 28th from 6 to 7:30 pm at the Athene Lecture Theatre on the campus of Bermuda College. Ashay — helping young people know themselves, value themselves, and prepare for their future.
- Mwalimu Melodye Micere Van Putten
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