Per Ankh students are recruited from English 142A classes in the spring semester.
To be considered for Per Ankh Academy, students participate in an application and interview process. Required application documents include:
- Per Ankh Academy application
- Personal statement
- Academic letter of reference
- Transcripts, if available
Participation requirements:
- Maintain minimum 2.5 GPA
- Qualified for English 142B
- Qualified for Math 115
- Enroll in all Per Ankh courses
- Attend orientation
- Participate in cultural events/activities
- Submit timely progress reports
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.
Per Ankh Coordinator: Sherry Sharufa, MS, Math Faculty | ssharufa@contracosta.edu | 510.215.3810