From the horn of Africa to the shores of Mattapoisett, the sixth graders at Old Hammondtown School are practicing their Swahili and stretching their rowing arms.

Soon, the hallways will be transformed into the Congo River as the students prepare for the fourth annual “Amazing Race,” immersing the students in the culture of central and eastern Africa.

The horn of Africa, better known as the eastern region, and the central areas of the continent will be the major focus of multicultural lessons.

Sixth grade teacher Amy Casi, the Old Hammondtown staff and Old Rochester Regional Junior High School special education teacher Hope Perkins have been busy planning the annual event, set to kick-off March 5.

All week, the students will be using cardboard box “boats,” made by Casi’s husband, to race down the Congo River. For safety’s sake, the hallways of Old Hammondtown will serve as the Congo.

“We try to have things the kids can have a small part in,” Casi said.  “Anything you can do where anybody can participate is that much better.”

Along the way, the sixth grade students will have to count in Swahili, use tennis balls and a broom to “herd sheep,” carry water buckets on their heads (like the women in this region of Africa), hand wash clothing and participate in traditional African dances.

Sixth grade teacher Kyle Letendre says the students look forward to the race every year.

“It’s very memorable for the kids and they have a tremendous time,” Letender said. “We all focus on an area of Africa.”

Though the race is for the sixth grade students, the other grades become the judges.

The sixth grade students visit the classrooms of the younger grades, where those students pass judgment on the quality of the sixth graders’ African dance moves or how well they could count in Swahili.

Through each activity, Casi says the students will be exposed to a cultural element from the region with Old Hammondtown staff members leading the way.

Casi believes the race will shine a light on the region and how different the way of life is in central and eastern Africa, compared to Mattapoisett.

Access to water is limited, and the students’ reaction to this is moving, she said.

“They can’t believe how the people have only so much access to the water every day,” Casi said. “It’s a very poignant moment. We need math and we need science so the kids can become citizens of the world, but anytime we can experience other cultures is great. It’s neat to see them have that realization how they can help and not just with money.”

Born and raised in Mattapoisett, Casi said one of the big draws for her coming to work at Old Hammondtown was teaching world geography to the sixth grade students.

Casi, who received her bachelor’s degree in French and international relations, has a master’s degree in education. Casi spent time studying in Ghana, as well as in Martinique.

“Cultures can be so different,” Casi said. “Its great to share with the kids so that they can experience it. In the end, if they can remember that Kathmandu is a mountain and the Congo is a river, that’s what we care about.”

Drawing on her time abroad, Casi has already brought the cultures of France, Africa and the Caribbean into the classroom.

The students have been learning the music and dance of the Caribbean, including the Calypso and reggae.

For a unit on France, Casi brought in croissants and had her students communicate solely in French for the day.

The students may not have been fluent in the language, but they were excited to practice what they did know, she said.

“I think it was a good experience not to know,” Casi said. “We talked about how challenging it was. They love it. I think, just like me, the kids get excited about learning the words, dancing the dance and just being in that moment.”

The “Amazing Race,” is something the whole school can get involved with, Casi said.

“It’s hard work, but everyone helps out,” Casi said. “It’s not my thing it’s our thing.”