About Us

Batoto Yetu (Swahili for “Our Children”) engages inner city youth in African dance, music, and folklore within a caring community of talented artists and volunteers. Dedicated to fostering self-awareness, self-esteem, and the creative and social development of children through dance, our organization introduces African culture through our Africa in the School Residency, our Pre-Professional Training Program, and public performances.

Since our founding in 1990, we have worked with thousands of children in New York City and around the world. More than 75% of these students have stayed engaged in Batoto Yetu programs throughout their childhood. The exceptional dedication, artistry, and personal growth of these children opens many doors for them and the generations that follow, including opportunities to perform around the world—from New York City to Bahia (Brazil), London, Barcelona, Hong Kong, Macau, and Luanda (Angola). Our children have performed with Folklorica at the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and with musical legends Harry Belafonte, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Usher, and more.

The vast majority of our children (more than 85%) proceed to outstanding colleges, including Harvard, Brown, Syracuse University, and City College of New York. Our students defy every statistic of the under-resourced neighborhoods they call home. We know that their confidence, achievements, citizenship, and cultural awareness create a marvelous ripple effect in the world, evidenced by the many success stories we have witnessed over the years.