Benkadi

With the LA2050's support, up to 80 middle schoolers from Watts, Inglewood, and South Central LA will have access to a one-of-a-kind arts program. The students will participate in Benkadi's after-school program where they'll learn West African drumming, dance, and culture for 18 weeks. Benkadi brings unique arts education programs to underserved Los Angeles communities. This program goes beyond basic skills, fostering social and emotional learning ,improving mental and physical health, and promoting cultural appreciation for all students.

We deliver: one-of-a-kind West African drum, dance and culture programs to grade schools in areas of economic and social need in LA County; research-supported social and emotional learning; improved mental and physical well-being; and greater cultural understanding for students of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. LA2050 support will enable us to deliver world class educators, instruments and arts credit compliant curriculum to two high schools and one elementary school, resulting in 6,300 hours of student impact.

Benkadi delivers unique West African drum, dance and culture programs to grade schools of economic and social need in Los Angeles. Benkadi delivers research supported social and emotional learning; improved mental and physical well-being; and greater cultural understanding for students of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. LA2050 support will deliver 5400 hours of student impact and allow Benkadi to deliver its world class educators, instruments and curriculum to two more schools for an entire year.