April at QANC
Hand painted Gratitude Rocks by students and staff.
Welcome back to the Queen Ann Nzinga Center newsletter. Our team has been working hard to provide our Watoto (Swahili for “children”) with engaging material that helps them build self-confidence and learn collaboratively.
This month, Watoto nurtured their empathy, gratitude, and communication skills. Led by Clinician Lauren Pederson, LMFT from Healing Wellness Collective of Berlin, participants created Gratitude rocks and Thank-You and Get-Well cards for community members. These activities are more than crafting; they are pathways to essential life skills that form the foundation of meaningful relationships.
The Get-Well cards were made for a board member, an intern, and family members who were facing health challenges. Our Watoto poured their hearts into creating messages of hope and support, showing genuine empathy for others in need. Watoto also created Thank-You cards to express their gratitude. The cards were tokens of appreciation extended to the YWCA, the Center for Excellence, and the New Britain Museum of American Arts, institutions which have graciously supported our programs.
The excitement doesn't stop there! We still have a couple of events lined up to wrap up the season:
First up, mark your calendars for May 4th, as we celebrate Kwanzaa in May. Join us at the Center of Excellence for an evening of festivities, where we'll recognize the accomplishments of our Watoto and their families. Expect delicious food, inspiring awards, and an opportunity to connect with our community. May 4, 3-5pm. Center for Excellence, 57 Fern St, New Britain.
Queen Ann Nzinga Center will be hosting a booth at the Celebrate New Britain Downtown Street Festival on May 18th. Stop by and see us! May 18, 12-6pm. Downtown New Britain, across from City Hall.
Nzinga’s Daughters performing at the Exceptional Women Luncheon in March.
Let’s catch up with Nzinga’s Daughters, a performance ensemble featuring several QANC Board Members. Through their dynamic musical performances, they build appreciation of a multicultural society and deepen public understanding of the history and cultural achievements of the African Diaspora.
Nzinga’s Daughters have been preparing for a series of Juneteenth celebrations. We will be performing on June 19th in Plainville and Litchfield.We’ll be sharing more information soon but for now mark your calendars!
Thank you for being an essential part of the Queen Ann Nzinga Center family. Your continued support empowers us to create meaningful experiences and opportunities for our Watoto.
Together, we're making a difference in the lives of these exceptional young people. Let's keep spreading love, kindness, and creativity!
