Students from Stamford are spending their Saturdays in the classroom, learning about African culture and preparing for a trip across the world.The class is part of the Rites of Passage program and is designed to link African-American history to African heritage. The lessons, eligible for sixth to eighth-graders, are created to open the students? eyes to race, culture, and history. The class prepares students for their June trip to West Africa.The students, parents and program organizers are soliciting sponsorships and holding fundraisers to raise the money for their trip, which costs $3,200 per student. They will host a cultural fair next month.