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The Calabash Village
The calabash is one of the most momentous symbols of many traditions and cultures. It is a simple gourd that can be used for so many meaningful activities—like carrying medicine, holding water, collecting food, making music, or even bathing babies. This symbol is tied into so many stories that have been passed down between generations. It is the keeper of culture and the tool for many of life’s simple pleasures. This is why our youth storytelling performing arts program carries the name "The Calabash Village".
Calabash Village is a seasonal storytelling and literacy experience rooted in arts-based learning, reflection, and youth voice. Scholars participate in weekly or biweekly gatherings where they develop storytelling skills, deepen literacy, and practice leadership through creative expression.
“Until the Lion Learns How to Write, Every Story will Glorify the Hunter” ~African Proverb
Calabash Scholars is a seasonal (October–March) literacy, storytelling, and youth leadership experience operated by Yeye’s Culture Academy. The program integrates arts-based learning, culturally grounded pedagogy, and youth voice through sustained engagement with Black children’s literature, folktales, and narrative texts.
Rather than treating storytelling as performance alone, Calabash Scholars positions story as a core literacy practice—supporting reading comprehension, oral language development, critical thinking, and cultural understanding.
Our Village, Our Story
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During the season, scholars participate in two Calabash Performances—one in December and one in February.
These performances are not talent shows. They are intentional moments of offering, where scholars share stories developed through months of learning, listening, and reflection.
December Performance focuses on remembering and meaning. It is gentle, reflective, and community-centered.
February Performance focuses on claiming voice and offering truth. It demonstrates growth, clarity, and leadership.
Calabash Scholars demonstrates how arts-infused, culturally grounded literacy instruction supports youth development. By centering Black children’s literature, the program affirms students’ identities while strengthening core literacy skills.
Key educational outcomes include:
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Increased reading comprehension
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Improved oral language and expression
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Enhanced critical interpretation of texts
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Growth in confidence, leadership, and voice
Performances serve as evidence of learning, allowing partners and funders to witness literacy, culture, and youth leadership in practice.
Program outcomes include:
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Two youth-led storytelling performances grounded in literature
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Scholar portfolios documenting reading, reflection, and expression
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Recorded performances for evaluation and reporting
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Increased engagement with Black children’s literature
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Strengthened connections between literacy, culture, and community