Bermudian educator, poet and writer Melodye Van Putten — the woman behind Ashay University — will host a series of self-knowledge classes “designed for the community of adult learners”.Modelled after her character education programme ‘Ashay: Rites of Passage’, Ashay University aims to “fill in the gaps in education of self” when it comes to global black history.Classes will be held at the Bermuda National Library beginning in September. The fall course, ‘Life Before Enslavement’ will cover subjects that include the African Foundation Timeline, African Philosophy and Cosmology, Sacred Thoughts from Ancient Kemet, and others.Future course offerings include a seminar on Kwanzaa in November, a ‘Know Thy Self’ course in February, followed by ‘Kephra: Becoming Rites of Passage for Women’ in March.The September course will run for four weeks on Thursdays, beginning September 5, from 6pm to 8pm.The $135 tuition includes the Guide to Self-Knowledge workbook and registration is open, although there are only a few spaces left.For more information e-mail melodyevanputten@aol.com or call 296-8137.