This summer, young people across Oxfordshire had the opportunity to explore African history, art and culture through a series of creative workshops. Led by educator and writer Natty Mark Samuels, the African Studies Summer School brought together children and families for an unforgettable journey of discovery.
The workshops, held at various venues across the county, introduced participants to the rich heritage of Africa and the Caribbean through storytelling, chant, poetry and art. From exploring the ancient kingdoms of West Africa to understanding the influence of African sculpture on modern European art, young people gained new perspectives on history and culture.
What made these sessions particularly special was the way Natty Mark combined education with joy. Using call and response songs, interactive storytelling and hands-on creative activities, he made complex historical concepts accessible and engaging for all ages. Children left not just with new knowledge, but with a genuine enthusiasm for learning more.
Filling a Gap in Education
The summer school grew out of a recognised need. Despite Oxford being home to world-renowned universities, there is limited provision for African Studies at the undergraduate level. Natty Mark saw this gap and made it his mission to bring African history and culture to the general community.
Since 2009, he has been teaching in schools, community centres, museums and botanical gardens across Oxfordshire. His approach, which he calls "botanical folklore," weaves together stories of plants, people and traditions from across Africa and the Caribbean diaspora. The result is a unique educational experience that engages both the mind and the heart.
Learning Through Story and Song
Traditional African education often took place in the evening, with elders sharing stories and songs to pass knowledge to the next generation. Natty Mark honours this tradition in his teaching, using chant and poetry to make learning memorable and participatory.
"Sometimes I find that people will gain more from a poem or a chant than they would from an article or even an excerpt from an essay. I just want to make African Studies as accessible as possible, make sure that as wide a range of people can engage and go away saying, yeah, I learned something, but I also enjoyed it."
This approach proved particularly effective during the summer school sessions, where children of all ages joined in with call and response songs, learning about African kingdoms, Caribbean folklore and the connections between plants and people across the diaspora.
The African School in Oxford
Natty Mark founded the African School in Oxford in 2009, creating a space where anyone can learn about African history, art, folklore and culture. The school offers workshops for all ages, from primary school children to adults, and has collaborated with institutions including the Pitt Rivers Museum and Oxford Botanic Garden.
His book, The Encyclopedia of Rootical Folklore: Plant Tales from Africa and the Diaspora, celebrates the connection between plants and people, weaving together science, story and spirituality. It is a perfect example of how education can honour multiple ways of knowing.
Looking Forward
The success of the summer school demonstrates the appetite for this kind of learning in Oxfordshire. Young people left the workshops with new heroes from African history, new stories to share, and new ways of seeing the world around them.
We are grateful to Natty Mark Samuels for bringing his passion and expertise to Oxfordshire Kindness Wave. His work reminds us that education is not just about facts, but about joy, connection and the recognition that every culture has wisdom to share.
To learn more about Natty Mark's work with us, visit our Journey with Natty Mark page, or explore his Fancasso creative challenge.