Kwanzaa Resources
Kwanzaa Mkeka Mats
You will need need:
- 12"x18" black construction paper
- 12" x18" green and red construction paper cut into 1 1/2" x 12" strips (10 in all)
- papercutter scissors
The mkeka is a mat, usually made of straw, displayed on the family's table at Kwaanza time. This project is paper weaving.
To prepare the background mat for weaving, fold the paper in half. Next, using a paper cutter, make long, vertical slits starting at the fold of the paper and ending at least one inch from the edge of the paper to prevent tearing. (Make slits about 1 1/2 inches apart leaving one inch from the top and bottom) Weave in an over-under pattern, alternating the two coloured strips. Secure each strip with glue. When weaving is complete, fringe the sides.
Kwanzaa - Heggie Biscuit Fudge
You will need:
- 250g butter/margarine
- 240g castor sugar
- 50ml cocoa
- 2 eggs beaten
- 2 packets plain biscuits crushed
- 5ml vanilla essence
- 100g almonds/pecan nuts (optional)
- 100g cherries (optional)
Heat butter and sugar together. When sugar is dissolved, stir in cocoa and egg, take off the heat. Add rest of ingredients. Spray a baking tin or tray. Put in fridge to set - best overnight.
Swaheli Words
asante (ah-sahn'-tay) = thank you
bibi (bee'-bee) = Mrs.
chakula (sha-koo'-lah) = food
duka (doo'-kuh) = shop
fundi (fuhn'-dee) = teacher or mentor
habari (hah-bah'-ree) = How are you?
jambo (jahm'-bo) = hello
kwaheri (kwa-heh'-ree) = goodbye
matunda (mah-toon'-dah) = fruit
tafadali (tah-fah-dah'-lee) = please
toto (toh'-toh) = child
courtesy of Dagenham and Barking Childminding Association
