The Abiku Project

'Abiku' is an integrated arts project for Key Stages 1 and 2, created by the Manchester Arts in Education Initiative (MAEI). Following Inset sessions during the spring, the project will run in over 20 Manchester primary schools during the Summer Term 2005.

The story comes from the Yoruba culture in Nigeria, and looks at the Abiku: thieves from heaven - spirits who are born into the world for a short time. They make a vow to their 'spirit mates' that they will return after perhaps 3 - 5 years, leaving their human families heart broken. The project engages children with the tension bewteen loyalty to their peer group and loyalty to their family. The culmination of the narrative is the decision of the class as to whether the 'abiku' child should honor the oath to his/her 'spirit mates' and cause grief to his family; or decide to stay, having learnt the value of home growing up and loving relationships. The narrative requires work in all art forms if it is to be fully realised. The pupils will experience a range of drama techniques, Yoruba songs and dances, Yoruba cultural practices and traditional Yoruba art techniques using textiles known as 'adire.'

The Manchester Arts in Education Initiative can be reached on 0161 610 3345

The Famished Road by Ben Okri also tells the story of an Abiku child.

Abiku Project DVD

Digitalsavvy was commissioned to create a video DVD, containing a range of specially shot video sequences designed to support the teaching of the Abiku Project. The sequences are 1) The Forest, 2) The Oja, 3) Buring the Oja, 4) The Babalawo, 5) The Forest at Night, and 6) The Offering.

While the six video sequences have a rich sound track, they have been created without commentary in order to allow maximum flexibility and differentiation. In addition, the DVD contains three specially recorded Yoruba songs, which are an integral part of the project, Hey Orunbo, Inonga teree and Tula mamma.

DVDs play video sequences at a very high quality, so these videos are well suited to being played back on an Interactive Whiteboard, or simply on a large screen via a data projector. The Forest Sequence, for example, lasts over 11 minutes, and can be projected on a large screen as a way of setting the scene or even as a backdrop to a variety of drama activities.

If you would like to discuss the possibility of us creating a video DVD to support a project of your own, please contact us.