The Per Ankh Academy continues in the tradition of an Ancient Egyptian institution of learning and is dedicated to enhancing the educational and cultural experiences of students of African descent. The program actively serves and cultivates student success through a curriculum and teaching style responsive to the legacy of the African diaspora.
H.A.G. Department Chair
Prof. Manu Ampim
Phone: 510.215.4133
Email: mampim@contracosta.edu
Per Ankh Academy Promotes:
- High standards and expectations for students, professors, and the Per Ankh Academy community which are the foundation for academic excellence.
- A rigorous curriculum allowing our students to successfully transfer and earn their bachelor degree.
Program Benefits:
- Ongoing support through bachelor degree
- Mentorship
- Personalized tutoring
- Small learning community
- Cultural awareness
To be considered for Per Ankh Academy, students participate in an application and interview process. Required application documents include:
- Completed Per Ankh Academy interest form
- Personal statement
- Academic letter of reference
- Transcripts, if available
- Completed application
Participation requirements:
- Enroll in History 110 and Engl 1AX
- Complete application
- Attend a mandatory orientation – check the July + August 2021 schedule
- Enroll in PER ANKH scheduled courses each semester
- Participate in PER ANKH sponsored cultural activities
The Per Ankh (”house of life”) was a central institution in Kemet (Ancient Egypt), dating back thousands of years to the pyramid age. All large urban areas and major temples throughout Kemet housed a per ankh. It was located within the temple and was where all formal learning and wise instructions took place, as it was responsible for the production and storing of books, and the teaching of scribes and priests. It was also where doctors and priests practiced medicine and induced healing dreams.
The Per Ankh was the primary institution of learning and repository of knowledge. The high-ranking Scribes of the House of Life (or ”sesh per ankh”) produced handwritten duplicates of documents, but often edited the texts, removing some old contents and adding new ideas. These high- level scribes were also priests who studied and practiced medicine, magic, theology, ritual, and dream interpretation. Some of the Per Ankh documents contained secret, mysterious writings which were composed by these powerful priests, and were said to have the power to renew and sustain life.
Most students left the Per Ankh once they finished their studies, becoming public scribes, priests, and administrators. A few joined the Per Ankh and earned a prestigious position within the institution, which had a hierarchy of learned officials, with various titles such as the ”overseer of writing in the House of Life, to whom all sacred matters are revealed,” ”keeper of secrets of the House of Life,” or ”director of the masters of heka (words of power) in the House of Life.”
The Per Ankh is the oldest known and one of the most exalted institutions in Africa’s long tradition of learning.