Imhotep's Legacy

Nataija Grant, Trina Williams and Kadeshia Colley, Grade 8 students from Caledonia Jr. High, don 3D glasses to watch an IMAX film.  (Nick Pearce Photo)

Just by looking at the name, you might assume Imhotep’s Legacy is a group of Egyptian enthusiasts; but after spending some time with the group, you would find that isn’t the case at all.

Imhotep’s Legacy After-School Project (ILASP) is a Dalhousie Faculty of Science-led, after-school project to promote the educational, social, and personal development of young African Nova Scotian learners in the fields of math and science.

ILASP students from Dartmouth, Halifax and Truro recently went on a field trip, with two stops: one at IMAX theatres and the other at the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia.

The first stop of the morning was the IMAX theatre in Bayer’s Lake. Donning bug-like glasses, the students got to see two IMAX films – a Canadian invention and experience everything from life in the space station down to life under sea.

Khadija Douglas, one of 12 Imhotep tutors, was interested in giving back to her community and came across the Imhotep After-School Project during her first year at Dalhousie.

“I first started with the program four years ago; my goal was to encourage the students to take a renewed interest in science,” says Ms. Douglas, who is doing a double major in Biology and French from Dalhousie.  “It’s getting them into it again by doing fun activities.”

Destiny White, a junior high student from Truro Junior High explains what she’s done with the program. “I’ve done science experiments, and gone on field trips to different places.”

After the movies, the students continued on to the Black Cultural Centre where they were immersed in black heritage. The students got to experience first-hand cultural portrayals as well as take part in educational activities to learn about migration, the Underground Railroad and famous black inventors.

Jalissa Talbot, a Junior High student from Truro Junior High recalls a previous trip to the Discovery Centre and says “(The program) is really fun; it’s cool and helps us with our homework.”

Imhotep himself may have lived thousands of years ago, but his legacy is found in the past achievement and present potential of generations of people of African descent. Ms. Douglas’ wish for the program is simple, “In the long term, I hope that students continue on and do well in high school and then continue on to post secondary education.”