As an Indianapolis afterschool program, GA2G is designed to help reduce intergenerational stress. It’s through this program we help second-generation Ethiopian Americans better understand their heritage, history, and culture. It’s our goal for participants in the afterschool program to learn how to share with each other and with the community while they develop leadership skills. The results of the program have been incredible as youth from various cultures in Indianapolis come together to learn about each others’ culture and start developing a deeper understanding of each other.
We focus on teaching the youth of Indianapolis to embrace their cultural heritage and to take pride in where they come from. We celebrate differences and learn how sharing those differences can increase the understanding that we have with others in our communities.
Intergenerational stress can be difficult for any youth. At our afterschool program, we focus on sharing the struggles of being a second-generation Ethiopian American and start embracing what it really means.
GA2G members participate in black history activities and attend city-wide international and cultural festivals. Our members also participate in presentations of the “Song for Peace” drama. Recently, we’ve partnered with the Art Institute to incorporate art into program activities.