Kids in an after-school program designed to link African-American history to African heritage recently returned from their second trip to West Africa.

The students embarked on a week-long journey to West Africa as part of the ?Rites of Passage? after-school program in Stamford Public Schools.

Students said the trip was an eye-opening experience. They said they saw the depths of poverty and strength of the people who live in West Africa. They also said it helped them to reconnect to their ancestors.

One of the places students visited was Goree Island, where the first slaves were taken from their homes and sold into slavery.

Students wrote journals about the experience and the program organizers will publish them in an effort to spread a message. The book is due out by year end and will also detail the students' encounters with African students and their school systems.