Two South End youth dancers, Jay'dha Rackard and Amanie Yusef, have been selected to join OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center's transformative November trip to Cape Verde, marking a significant milestone in their artistic and personal development.

The students will join five other Boston-area dancers for a weeklong cultural exchange on the African island nation, where they'll perform and teach dance in local schools, share traditional meals, and engage with Cape Verdean youth while providing community service.

"These trips aren't about vacation—they're about transformation," says OrigiNation founder Shaumba-Yandje wa Dibinga. "Through service, cultural exchange, and the performing arts, we open our students to a wider world and a deeper understanding of their own identity and values."

This represents OrigiNation's 11th international youth tour since 2009, with previous destinations including Ghana, South Africa, and Jamaica. Students participate in hands-on service projects that teach humility, patience, and global citizenship.

Each student must raise $1,000 for airfare through community fundraising. Two upcoming performance events will support the effort: a Conscious Cafe featuring family-friendly spoken word and karaoke performances at Black Market Nubian Square in Roxbury on August 15th at 7pm, and a Line Dancing Workshop at MAMLEO headquarters in Dorchester on August 17th from 2-3:30pm.

The organization seeks $20,000 total to ensure all selected students can participate in this life-changing opportunity.