A Spotlight on the “Salone Club” at ACHS
Ermila Mazariegos
Staff Writer
Salone Club is a new, emerging club that has made its way to ACHS. This club recognizes Sierra Leone, a country in West Africa, and its culture. Salone Club is a safe space for students to relax and meet new people at ACHS.
Junior Martha Kamara is from Sierra Leone and started the club. “I didn’t feel represented at ACHS and felt like I had to join other clubs in order to fit in. But that wasn’t working out, so I decided to create this club that represents my culture,” said Kamara. The club is focused on creating new opportunities for students that are looking to connect more with Sierra Leonean culture— regardless of whether they’re Sierra Leonean or not.
The club’s first meeting was on November 7th and was filled with many students stopping by to take a look at the new club. “The first meeting of Salone Club was really fun,” said sophomore Prince Charles. We played games and ate Jollof rice [a well-known West African rice dish], which was really good.”
Junior Francess Pombor, the treasurer of the club, joined Salone Club so that she could learn more about her culture— specifically, Sierra Leonean languages. “I thought the club would be a good opportunity for me to learn more about my heritage and where my ancestors came from. Also, it might help me improve my Krio,” said Pombor. Krio, an English-based Creole language that includes elements of African languages Akan and Yoruba, is widely spoken in Sierra Leone.
Kamara already has plans for the club’s next meeting, “We will go through a PowerPoint that will talk about the history of Sierra Leone. We will also have activities and African food offered for members,” she said. “If we have extra time, we might even be able to watch a movie!”
The club is open to students of any grade, race or ethnicity, “You don’t have to be from Salone to enjoy the culture. Just don’t be rude, is all,” said Pombor.
Members are excited to meet, discuss their culture and help others learn more about Sierra Leone. “It is a great pleasure to bring my culture to Alexandria City High School,” said junior Annmarie Kamara (no relation to Martha).
Even though this club is new to ACHS, Martha Kamara is already thinking about the club’s future. “I hope to sell stuff for Salone Club so that I can make some money for it because right now, I am paying out of my pocket. I also hope the school gets involved with the club and more students get involved.”
The club is still in the process of planning its next meeting, but check out its Instagram page, @achs.salone, for more information. Salone club is welcome to anyone interested. “I would recommend this club to anyone who wants to learn about Sierra Leone culture, food, games and more,” said club member Charles.
Photo courtesy of Martha Kamara
