Associates

TASU – Talk Anansi Story Unit

Talk Anansi Story Unit (TASU) was developed as a creative technique to incorporate local cultural traditions into modern day settings, derived from its earlier predecessor, S.T.EP.S. -Storytelling for Early Childhood Parenting Support (S.T.E.P.S.) Founded by Samantha Pierre. T.A.S.U. focuses on meeting the developmental needs of children and young people through interactive Storying. This new and dynamic form uses the art of story building and storytelling to educate, entertain and empower participants. T.A.S.U. has successfully worked within the Caribbean territories of Belize, Dominica, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago. Developing the Roots and Wings of ECD Storytelling Guide, to bridge Storytelling and Early Childhood Development, the first of its kind in the Caribbean region, the Unit has successfully trained more than 500 parents, teachers and caregivers and empowered more than 5000 children within the territories.

Traditional Storytelling transcribes certain positive values and morals such as trust, honesty, respect for elders, love for your neighbor, community spirit and the concept of a “village raising a child,” which are all beneficial characteristics that help to strengthen familial and community bonds.  This project serves as a strategic and culturally appropriate approach to counter the effects of crime, deteriorating social environments and dysfunctional families. Traditional storytelling provides the opportunity for all generations to learn not only about themselves, but also of their local heritage and associated values.  TASU  is an avenue to uplift, particularly marginalized communities through folklores, local stories, riddles and traditional games; thus bringing the family back as the center of the community. Our objectives are:

• To transmit culturally-appropriate value-based education using local and regional content
• To engender information sharing through oral traditions using the art of Storytelling.
• To facilitate the exposure of children and adults to traditional storytelling artforms and associated values.
• To initiate opportunities for children and young people too richly and fully experience various aspects of their national and Caribbean heritage.

With the passing of Samantha Pierre in 2010, TASU is now run by her daughter Taaliba Quashie. To contact TASU call (+1-868) 645-0970 or 383-8142, email:tasu.office@yahoo.com. Otherwise, check the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/talkanansistoryunit.