AFRICAN AMERICAN NETWORK OF KERN COUNTY INC

Through our "Each One Teach One" community service and enrichment program, AAN mentors to a minimum of twenty students per year; introducing students to many tools that help them learn about themselves, their family history, etiquette, and social graces. We convey information on education and other community programs that build self-esteem and develop leadership skills. The participants get hands on insight into the arts, performing arts, budgeting and family skills. They develop communication skills through oratory performances. By networking our students learn of the importance of small and large businesses and the role they play in the economic development of our community. Below are the five project tools that "Each One Teach One” uses to mentor and motivate each young person.


Projects Description:
Arts & Humanities
The participant will experience how the arts and the humanities play a fundamental role in developing the mind. They will become flexible, insightful and informed. The experience gives them the versatility that is needed to succeed in an ever more complex and volatile global environment.

Etiquette & Social Graces
Etiquette and social graces are introduced to the students as factors that directly impact their success. Each participant will come to know that the building blocks for charm and grace are a wonderful way of reducing awkwardness and social anxiety. Not only will they learn social etiquette, they will play the game of life superbly and with polish. They will have a vital understanding of how life really works.

Health & Wellness
We incorporate a health awareness component with each event by briefly discussing the importance of staying healthy in mind and body. We partner with health groups that promote family well-being. During the youth programs, the participants are encouraged to see their doctor or health clinic for regular check-ups.


Historical Review: Who Are You?
Over the years AAN has completed documentaries and video media on Kern County history and the impact of minorities within the county. It is our hope that our students will be motivated to research their own family history and in doing so learn of the impact their families have and continue to make on our community. Through history there has been a blending of cultures, customs, ideas, and ethics. It is our intent to show our students how these have come together impacting education. By looking back we can see how barriers have been removed opening the gates to education for all youth and giving them the opportunity to continue improving the society in which we live.

Youth Business & Professionalism
The participants learn professional behavior. The students learn what it is like to work in a business setting, who their customers are and how their behavior impacts not only them but the company they represent. They are introduced to cultural and business etiquette and how it plays an important part in the global workplace.