David Foreman, aka “Jali-D,” brought his show, “Rhythms and Rhymes for Wise Young Minds,” to an assembly at Lunenburg County’s Central High School on Friday, through Young Audiences Arts for Learning.

Jali is a storyteller in Africa.

A musician and spoken word artist, Foreman played the guitar and the djembe drum, an instrument from West Africa, and sang various original songs about the need to be mentally tough, and the value of reading and words, and math. As part of his performance, Foreman asked the students math questions and had them recite lines of encouragement.

“It’s up to you whether you fail or succeed,” he sang at one point. “You’re born with all the tools you need. You parents and teachers can only give the key.”

Reginald S. Davis, director of alternative education and innovative programs for the school system, said the program was a good learning experience for the students because of Foreman’s interaction with them.

The Lunenburg Charity Fund sponsored the program. The group is also sponsoring the Spring Gospel Celebration 7 p.m. at the Kenbridge Town Hall on Saturday, April 9, as a fundraiser for the fund and next year’s performances at the schools in Lunenburg County, Carole Wallace said.