Awake To Know Africa was formed in July 2007. The first school visited and worked with on voluntary basis was Langland School in Netherfield, Milton Keynes.
Vicky Mensah started from her child’s class (Foundation one) reading books and teaching African songs and dance. At the end of every session, children and teachers were given the opportunity to wear traditional Ghanaian dresses and costumes which everyone was delighted to do.
Two years later, Vicky met a Business Link officer, Paul Griffiths, at Netherfield Parish Council. He became interested in the business ideas and helped Vicky to register with the name Awake To Know Africa, on 18th December 2009. Paul supported ATKA to put in its first grant application for £5000 to Woughton Parish Council, which was awarded. During the first diversity project with the above Parish, the committee of ATKA awarded Paul Griffiths a certificate as the Father of ATKA for his positivity and support.
Achievements
Some of our main achievements to date are:
Mayor of Milton Keynes Annual Civic Services – we were invited to perform at this event which took place at Newport Pagnell in 2010.
National Lottery Big Lottery Fund Grant £9,977 – awarded in 2013, this grant enabled us to provide story-telling, music and dance workshops in local schools and children’s centres. We have since been awarded grants from a number of other organisations.
Awake to Know Africa week at Middleton school – a week of learning activities linked to Africa. Teaching African songs, dances, games and facts about African countries. We have since worked with many primary schools in and around Milton Keynes.
Management
Adwoa Adutwumwaa Frempong – Director and Secretary
Adwoa is Ghanian and works in Human Resource Management and is a Sunday School teacher. She provides HR advice to the organisation and is the organisation’s designated Secretary.
Akosua Adjei – Director and Treasurer
Akosua is Ghanian and is a play worker, with significant experience of leading children and young people in small and large groups, providing both informal and formal learning opportunities.
Vicky Mensah – Director and Founder
Vicky is a careers adviser, writer, gospel artist, musician and teacher and is experienced at working with all ages, including children and young people with disabilities. She is the Founder of Awake To Know Africa and manages the company on a day-to-day basis.