Xaritoo is Wolof (a West African language) and means "friendship". The word in itself stands for one of the most prominent features in the project, that is the friendship evolved from the activities.
These latter are based mainly upon lessons in African dance. Most of the music that we use originates from West Africa - thereby choice of Wolof for the naming of the project.
The project grew into an idea from the joy the Youth leader, Cathrine Sundstrom, experienced when working as a high school teacher and simultaneously taking classes in African dance.
A pilot project was officially put into practice in the beginning of October 2002.
In order to reach those who do not have the economic means to join similar activities, the project is free of cost for the participants.
As a natural development in society people are divided in groups (ethnical, economical, cultural, religious, political etc).
Xaritoo would like to give young people the opportunity to cross the borders of such groups. We base this on the theory that when given first hand information of unfamiliar groups, under the right circumstances, a greater understanding and tolerance toward different group behaviour will develop.
The organisation is further built upon the theory that young people, when in a safe and joyful multicultural environment, will learn to think differently and intelligently about the world, and be stimulated to give creative expression to what they see around them.
Xaritoo would like to provide young people with an alternative after-school activity. Trough a person of trust (e.g a Youth Leader) we would like to demonstrate how the young people can be inspired to strive for self-awareness, by encouraging them to trust their own distinctive creative abilities.
With this, Xaritoo seeks to instill, in its participants, a sense of potential power of Art as a viable source of cultural awareness and social change.
To provide an opportunity for new friendship
To create a feeling of belonging
To promote tolerance and understanding towards other social groups, by means of dance as a universal language
To promote exercise
As an adult act as a positive role model for youth
and of course... To have a lot of fun together!
