Mission Purpose

Ashay means, “It is good.” Truly, it is good to know your history and culture.
It is good to receive the strength and wisdom of your heritage. Ashay!

Mwalimu Melodye Micëre Van Putten, M.A., Founder

Ashay University has been specifically crafted to meet the need of busy adults wanting to gain knowledge about global African history and culture from an African-centered perspective.  The objectives are straightforward and necessary:

1. To fill in the gaps in education of self – our history, culture, struggles and achievements – from a position of empowerment.
2. To be able to share and pass on the information with one’s circle of family, friends, colleagues, etc. It is the ultimate “each one, teach one,” understanding that no one can teach what they do not know.
3. To build community through SBA (say-ba) – study, discussion, learning – amongst people of like minds across divisions of race, class, age, religion and gender. (SBA: The ReAwakening of the African Mind by Dr. Asa G. Hilliard, III)

Ashay University courses are taught by Mwalimu Melodye Micëre Van Putten, M.A., facilitated by the Guide to Self-Knowledge workbook and held in two locations – the Bermuda National Library and the North Village Community Centre.  The workbook and classes are customized for adult learners and are hands-on, participatory, engaging and designed for personal enrichment, community building and empowerment.

All classes meet for three hours on Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at North Village Community Centre; special programs are held at the Bermuda National Library.  Course tuition is $200 (unless noted otherwise) and include instruction, weekly class notes and workbook.