Exploring Nigeria in DC: Nigerian Culture at Hart Middle School
6th-grade Students Hart Middle School, Southeast Washington DC
Exploring Nigeria: The Nigerian Center’s Visit to Hart Middle School, Washington DC
By Adejumoke Ojo, Policy Director, Nigerian Center & Nafisat Badre, Hausa Language & Culture Tutor, Nigerian Center
On February 19th, the Nigerian Center participated in the Washington DC’s Embassy Adoption Program (EAP) at Hart Middle School, our adopted DC Public School (DCPS) partner. We were paired with the 6th-grade class to introduce students to Nigeria’s history, geography, and rich cultural heritage. This initiative aligns with the DCPS curriculum on the African diaspora, which explores the movement and influence of Africans across the globe, fostering a deeper understanding of their cultural and societal contributions.
A Story That Connects Us All
Our story is not just about new immigrants coming to the United States—it is also the story of African Americans and Afro-Latinos whose origin story traces back to Nigeria. By highlighting Nigeria’s history and cultural impact, we help students recognize their connections to Africa and the broader global narrative. This engagement is crucial because, by 2050, Nigeria is projected to be the third-largest country in the world, with a population of 400 million. Engaging America’s future leaders in understanding our heritage is vital for fostering cross-cultural connections and inspiring global perspectives.
A Day of Cultural Exchange
From 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, we engaged with students during their social studies periods, delivering interactive sessions that highlighted Nigeria’s diverse languages, music, and dance. Students had previously conducted independent research on Nigeria, which made discussions more engaging and interactive. The highlight of each session was the dance segment, which brought energy and excitement to the room as students immersed themselves in Nigerian cultural expressions. In total, we connected with about 100 students, each receiving a Nigerian flag as a souvenir.
Reflections
Hart Middle School teacher, Arun Puracken and Nigerian Center team
Hart Middle School representative Arun Puracken shared their thoughts on the experience:
“The students were so excited to share what they had learned and were highly engaged with the information presented. What stood out to me was how well they connected with the material—challenging the misconception that students can’t engage with lecture-style presentations. When explained in a way that relates to their everyday lives, the information becomes deeply interesting. My favorite moment was the dance session at the end. It was so much fun to see the kids enjoying cultural music. It was truly a transformational experience. Thank you so much for visiting us!”
About the Embassy Adoption Program (EAP)
The Embassy Adoption Program (EAP) is a collaboration between DC Public Schools (DCPS) and Washington Performing Arts aimed at broadening students' global perspectives. Through partnerships with embassies and cultural organizations, 6th-grade students gain first-hand exposure to different cultures, traditions, and international affairs. The program fosters global citizenship, cross-cultural understanding, and appreciation for diverse nations and their histories.