Kokomon and Aeeshah Clottey in the Classroom

In our efforts to foster a greater understanding of and respect for indigenous cultures and worldviews, Ringing Rocks Foundation is continuing our popular "Wisdomkeepers in the Classroom" program. In May 2009 RRF hosted Ghanaian elder, Kokomon Clottey and his wife Aeeshah at three different schools in northern Arizona, two elementary schools in Sedona and a combination middle school and high school in Flagstaff. Kokomon and Aeeshah got the kids up and moving with their infectious enthusiasm and their traditional use of drum and "body prayers" or dance. They went on to teach the children a bit about Ghanaian society and traditions. For example, that in Ghana people do not keep track of their age as they believe you are born again each moment of each day, always fresh and always with infinite possibility. They also shared how the beat of the drum is used to bring harmony to the community as well as to the individual who hears it. Kokomon explained that one does not need a fancy drum for we each have a drum within us, our heart beat. The kids explored how they can create harmony and "get in synch" with each other by beating out a rhythm on their thighs or by clapping their hands.

As with all of our education programs they are offered free of charge to the schools.