Empowering Schools
A Case Study from Mamas that BRAID
Nurturing Skills and Celebrating Diversity:
How Braiding Workshops Empower Students During Black History Month
At Mamas That BRAID, our mission is to celebrate the art of braiding, empower individuals with new
skills, and foster a sense of community and cultural pride. In October 2024, we collaborated with a
local secondary school to host a series of workshops as part of their Black History Month initiative.
These workshops not only provided students with practical skills but also created a calm and inclusive space for learning and connection.
Background
The workshops were designed to align with the school’s goal of celebrating cultural heritage and offering hands-on, creative experiences for students. Held once a week over four weeks, the
sessions were part of a broader effort to engage students in meaningful activities while fostering appreciation for Black cultural traditions.
Workshop Details
The workshops were structured as follows:
• Week 1-3: Step-by-step tutorials on different braiding techniques, including the three-strand plait, dutch braids, french plaits, fishtails and cornrows, and creative braiding styles.
• Week 4: A Braid Your Peers party session, where students were encouraged to bring a
friend or family member to braid their hair, showcasing what they had learned.
To support their learning and provide lasting resources, each student was given:
1. A braiding comb set to use during the sessions and take home, ensuring they could
continue practicing their skills.
2. Guides on how to part hair for box braiding, detailing different parting sizes and
techniques to help students achieve professional results.
At the conclusion of the workshops, each student received a certificate of completion, celebrating their achievements and providing a tangible reminder of their hard work and dedication.
The workshops emphasised patience, creativity, and skill-building. By the end of the program, students not only improved their braiding techniques but also gained confidence and a sense of accomplishment
“I had such a lovely time today in the workshop. It’s just so nice; I don’t want it to end, and I know the kids are really enjoying it too. You are so kind and patient with them, and it feels like such a calm and safe space. So, just want to thank you.”
-The Organising Teachers Heartfelt comments
Impact and Feedback
The workshops left a lasting impression on both students and staff., expressing excitement about their newfound skills and pride in their progress.
Success Stories
One particularly inspiring story emerged from a young boy who struggled to complete a basic three- strand plait during the first session. Over the weeks, his dedication and practice paid off. By the finale, the Braid Your Peers event, he braided his mother’s very long and beautiful hair with confidence and skill, showcasing his remarkable progress and he is keen to help his mum at home by doing his little sister's hair in the mornings.
Another student showed a keen interest in entrepreneurship, asking about the potential to earn
money as a self-employed braider. Discussions about pricing and strategies sparked his curiosity, potentially laying the foundation for a future career in hair braiding.
Future Plans
The success of these workshops has inspired us to collaborate further with this school, offering
additional sessions throughout the year. We also aim to expand our reach, bringing braiding
workshops to new audiences, including foster parents and parents of children with mixed hair types.
These sessions will focus on both braiding and hair care, equipping families with the skills to
celebrate and maintain their children’s hair confidently.
Conclusion
The Mamas That BRAID workshops demonstrated the transformative power of braiding as both a skill and a cultural expression. From fostering creativity and confidence in students to inspiring
potential entrepreneurs, the program’s impact was profound. We look forward to continuing our
partnership with schools and empowering more individuals to embrace the art and heritage of
braiding.
5 Star Google Review From Miss Proud
Tara hosted a hair braiding workshop as part of our Black History Month celebrations at AVA. We had a group of 11 students and teachers. Each week for the month of October, we all met and learned how to braid from dutch braids to box braids. You name it we did it. We would always start off quietly while we tried to master the skill that Tara was showing us for the week. After a bit of quiet concentration, we put on some music and started to chat away while braiding our dolls hair. The students were keen to pick up the skill and were able to with Tara's kindness and patience. She worked her way around the group, quietly encouraging us and showing us where we might have gone wrong. I can't believe the 4 weeks are up and we can all braid! It was so fun to end with a party, braiding friends' hair, which really brought our practice to life. Not only was the workshop a chance to learn a new and really valuable cultural skill, but we also had the chance to de stress and come together after a long day at school. I can not recommend this enough. Thank you Tara you really made it for us at AVA !