AWLReady

Baltimore Baraka

Again I know I’m kinda late on some ishh but I recently watched this documentary called the Boys of Baraka. The film was awesome! (Baraka means blessing in Swahili) The doc showcases the hardships that many urban youth in Baltimore, Maryland face when confronted with the public school system. If I remember correctly the film stated that some 63% of kids educated in the Baltimore City Public School system do not attain a High School Diploma. They simply don’t graduate! That is astonishing. I was flabbergasted. To counter that high statistic Baltimore and The Baraka School in Kenya partnered to grant 20 boys/2yrs the opportunity to go to attend an all male boarding school far away from their poverty stricken communities. The Baraka Boys explores the transformation of 4 tweens attending the school. 

Unfortunately the Baraka School had to close amidst an array of problems. The main sponsor of the school decided to withdraw funding before the boys could successfully complete the 2 year program. While some boys succumbed to the problems of their communities others chose to change for the better. 

The story was very uplifting and inspirational. At the same time it was difficult to watch. It a sad day when in a country so wealthy in resources that so many people can live as citizens of a lesser developed nation.