Culturally relevant classes for young people and those seeking “empowering knowledge” omitted from their education have been launched at the Bermuda College.

The Ashay programmes will be available for students aged from 5 upwards, and an Ashay Club will also be offered to those at the college.

Previously implemented in Bermuda’s middle schools, Ashay was designed to teach history from an African-centred perspective.

The partnership between the Bermuda College and Ashay Programmes International will begin in September.

Discussions between David Sam, the college president, and Ashay Programmes International founder Mwalimu Melodye Mĩcere van Putten began after an Opinion piece by Dr Sam published in April.

In it he called on the community, including schools, churches, community groups and employers, to take an active role in nurturing Bermuda’s young people towards leadership and empowered lives.

He wrote: “Education changes the direction of lives. It opens doors to employment, confidence, independence and service. It gives young people the tools to adapt in a changing world.”

The article caught the attention of Ms Van Putten, an Africalogist and creator of the Ashay Programme.

The programme has a pan-African scope and aims to provide what Ms Van Putten describes as “cultural grounding”.

The Ashay Programme is now 40 years old. Ashay Clubs operate in Bermuda, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Kumasi, Ghana.

Ashay Clubs Ghana has more than 1,000 members and operates in schools and the community.

The Reverend Sister Grace Nuamah, the principal of Atasemanso Primary School in Ghana, said: “By helping us establish the Ashay Clubs at our school, you have provided our students with the tools for self-knowledge, pride and self-determination.

“You have not only brought a programme, you have brought a renewed sense of identity and excellence to our halls.”

• For more information about Ashay at the Bermuda College or to register, e-mail Ms Van Putten at melodyevanputten@aol.com