Community Youth Programs
These are a variety of intervention/prevention community and school based programs designed to reinforce cultural strengths and values. The programs serve African youth in various high schools working to increase academic success through increased knowledge of self and building a sense of community.
Our African youth are our future. They are vessels for knowledge and strength and seeds that should be cultivated by instilling knowledge, wisdom, and self-love inevitably becoming a transgenerational garden of power.
Our mission for the community programs is to address African youth in-risk that are vulnerable to and directed into thoughts, behaviors and activities that undermine their African cultural orientation, behavioral dispositions and principles. These African youth are involved in behaviors that put them at high risk of incarceration, academic failure, substance abuse/addiction and physical harm.
The social environment contributes significantly to the problems and is why the term in-risk is used. The social environment consists of institutions where racism, discrimination, inequality and oppression are manifested. Institutions organized to provide education, policing, criminal justice, housing and health are involved in the lives of African people and often direct youth to thoughts, behaviors and activities that undermine their health and wellbeing.
Statistically, over-representation of African youth in area of suspensions, expulsions, juvenile justice and housing insecurity exacerbates their ability to achieve developmental milestones that are healthy and prepare them for adulthood in culturally meaningful ways.
There is a lack of knowledge and understanding of our culture and history. The youth lack an African-centered paradigm that reaffirms the right of African people to (1) exist as a people, (2) contribute to the forward flowing process of human civilization and culture, and (3) to share with as well as shape the world in response to our energy and spirit (Nobles & Goddard).
We strive for an outcome where the individual is spiritually rejuvenated, has love of self, family, and community and is willing and able to respect, protect, and defend self, family and community (Noble & Goddard).
Our services facilitate processes so that African youth have a knowledge of their history, cultural precepts and values. They develop the knowledge, skill, ability, attitude and character necessary to undertake socially defined, goal-oriented and culturally meaningful activities. They are connected to positive adults, experience academic success and develop skills to navigate institutions to achieve success.
Services:
Life Skills Courses
Field Trips
Case Management
Workshops
Our African youth are our future. They are vessels for knowledge and strength and seeds that should be cultivated by instilling knowledge, wisdom, and self-love inevitably becoming a transgenerational garden of power.
Our mission for the community programs is to address African youth in-risk that are vulnerable to and directed into thoughts, behaviors and activities that undermine their African cultural orientation, behavioral dispositions and principles. These African youth are involved in behaviors that put them at high risk of incarceration, academic failure, substance abuse/addiction and physical harm.
The social environment contributes significantly to the problems and is why the term in-risk is used. The social environment consists of institutions where racism, discrimination, inequality and oppression are manifested. Institutions organized to provide education, policing, criminal justice, housing and health are involved in the lives of African people and often direct youth to thoughts, behaviors and activities that undermine their health and wellbeing.
Statistically, over-representation of African youth in area of suspensions, expulsions, juvenile justice and housing insecurity exacerbates their ability to achieve developmental milestones that are healthy and prepare them for adulthood in culturally meaningful ways.
There is a lack of knowledge and understanding of our culture and history. The youth lack an African-centered paradigm that reaffirms the right of African people to (1) exist as a people, (2) contribute to the forward flowing process of human civilization and culture, and (3) to share with as well as shape the world in response to our energy and spirit (Nobles & Goddard).
We strive for an outcome where the individual is spiritually rejuvenated, has love of self, family, and community and is willing and able to respect, protect, and defend self, family and community (Noble & Goddard).
Our services facilitate processes so that African youth have a knowledge of their history, cultural precepts and values. They develop the knowledge, skill, ability, attitude and character necessary to undertake socially defined, goal-oriented and culturally meaningful activities. They are connected to positive adults, experience academic success and develop skills to navigate institutions to achieve success.
Services:
Life Skills Courses
Field Trips
Case Management
Workshops
Camp Ujima
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Camp Ujima will strive to reconnect youth to their Afrikan culture through interactive workshops and activities. We will provide a safe space for the youth to be heard, process, reflect and ask questions. Importantly, Camp Ujima will increase the youth's protective factors, pro-social behaviors, sense of responsibility to each other, families, and the community in ways that promote safety, health, and success. Our overall goal at Camp Ujima is to aid youth to become an active participant in building a better society as “Jegnas.”
Camp Waiver: Completed and signed participation consent forms can be turned in at Ujima classes, faxed to (408) 928-1701, scanned & emailed to zakia@ujimaagency.org or stephon@ujimaagency.org, or turned in or mailed to the Ujima office at 1898 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126 
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Each year, Ujima Youth choose a theme
that represents our character and strength.
Abe Dua means “palm tree."
It is a symbol of wealth, resourcefulness, and self-sufficiency.
that represents our character and strength.
Abe Dua means “palm tree."
It is a symbol of wealth, resourcefulness, and self-sufficiency.
Meet your Camp Ujima 2023 Staff!
Alexz Houston
I started volunteering at Ujima in order to obtain undergraduate credits. What initially started as a need, grew into a want, and I have been participating in the program for a few years now. Our amazing team of counselors, educators and leaders have made my experience at Ujima one that I deeply cherish, and the amazing youth we get to work with are the cherry on top. 
Hashim Houston
Over the last two years, I've been an active participant in Camp Ujima's community outreach as a camp counselor and presenter. As a career coach and LinkedIn ambassador today, I remain dedicated to making sure that young black children have equal opportunities in the tech industry, applying the same principles that have proven successful in my earlier work. 
Ebony Washington
Sister Ebony is a former scholar athlete and longtime youth advocate. She enjoys working with young people and has always found it to be both challenging and rewarding. As a mother, she also knows that it requires the skill set of patience, empathy, and the ability to communicate effectively. She has always strived to create safe and inclusive environments that encourages learning and growth. She exemplifies what it means to be dedicated and passionate regarding giving back to the youth and her community. Her communication and organizational skills come "packaged" within being nurturing, witty, sincere, and caring. She prides herself on being viewed as kind, sensitive, flexible, as well as being respected and admired by her peers and superiors alike. |
Joseph Hollis
I have enjoyed volunteering working with youth and volunteering in the community for the last few years. Overall, the experience has helped me grow as a person and further my skills via real life application. 
Raven Jackson
I have been working with youth for 10 years now. I started off working with children between the ages of 6 weeks and 13 years at "Kids Club" in a local YMCS for three years. I wanted to do something more impactful in the lives of the youth, so I began substitute teaching. Then the school district invited me to work full time as a special education teacher and I accepted and never looked back! I worked in elementary for 2 years, high school for 4 years, and now I teach work, social, life and many more skills to young adults with special needs ranging from 18-22 years of age. I love what I do! 
Jerold Robinson
I fell in love with working with youth when I was still a youth. In high school I was in the education academy and I was selected to go to elementary schools to do junior achievement. I did that 2 years in high school. After high school I’ve participated in many counseling/ teaching positions like camp ANV, Camp Akili, Oakland freedom schools, and the ubuntu program. It wasn’t until I taught TK and kindergarten at francophone charter school where I experienced my first actual job as a teacher. I have about 10 years of experience working with the youth and this is something I’m very passionate about. |
Life Skills Courses & Workshops
On-campus Life Skills Courses are held September through May for the 2022-2023 school year for students at Andrew Hill, Independence, Oak Grove, and Silver Creek. Saturday workshops are offered throughout the academic year for San Jose residents attending any high school. Please contact zakia@ujimaagency.org for more information.
