July 2006 Co-Founders Message

One of my earliest childhood memories is of my grandfather, affectionately called Papa Obie, who once sat me on his knee and instilled the importance of getting a good education.  He believed that education was the key to improving the social and economic condition of African American people. He advised me to become a teacher so that I could impart skills that would build strong and vibrant communities. Today we believe that education in it’s truest form should affirm every child to reach their greatest human potential, instill pride and teach the greatness of African culture and heritage, and continue building Africa in the spirit of that greatness. In Kenya, we are always humbled by the many hard working students that we see excelling in their academic endeavors. As we anticipate a stronger and smarter Kenya, we would like to play a small part in achieving our common educational goals.

To this end, I am pleased to announce our first Cultural Reconnection Mission for Educators to Kenya, East Africa from July 5th through July 22nd. We present thirteen women, all educators and of African descent. Four of our delegates are teachers at primary and secondary levels; five are college professors; four are school administrators including two principals.. Each delegate is recognized for exemplary performance as an educator and comes with a wealth of experience and passion for teaching.

This mission is aimed at identifying best practices in Kenyan schools with a focus applied on Ombogo Girls Academy. Over the next two weeks, we would like to learn more about best practices in some exemplary schools in Nairobi, especially Moi Girls School and Makini Schools. We plan to visit with educators at the University of Maseno where we will explore the theoretical framework relevant to education in Kenya, especially for the girl child.  Finally, we plan to spend substantial time observing and interacting with students and faculty at Ombogo Girls Academy.

This mission for educators, the first of its kind, was initiated by one of our original delegates and Vision and Planning Team (VPT) member, Dr. Zakiya Stewart whose experience embraces over thirty years of teacher training. Some of the delegates were trained and mentored by her.  She is also the founder of Ombogo Donors in the United States, through which she established a trust fund for the generation of $1000 each year in perpetuity. This annual scholarship is used to cover tuition, room and board, travel home and school supplies as needed for several girls each year.

Also, we plan to make the final selection of three scholarship recipients, one from each of the following schools; Moi Girls School, Ombogo Girls Academy and Kanyamfwa Secondary School. This scholarship was initiated by VPT Member, Doreen Cato and her organization called Sisters on the East Side.  We are mandated to identify three students who plan to complete their goals in higher education with a view toward returning their skills to their communities.  Each recipient will receive a $500 scholarship.  We hope these scholarships will encourage young Kenyans to acquire skills that will build and improve their communities.

As we undertake this new mission, we are fueled by the vision and goals of our late co-founder, Mrs. Phelgona Okundi, who dreamed of making Ombogo Girls Academy a world class college preparatory institution. In the spirit of my grandfather Papa Obie, may we always use education to continue building strong and vibrant communities in Africa and the Diaspora.

Marcia Tate Arunga, Co-Founder

Vision & Planning Team

Marcia Tate Arunga
Alma Lorraine Bone-Constable
LueRachelle Brim-Atkins
Doreen Cato
Mayet Dalila
Dr. Joye Hardiman
Benita R. Horn
Lynn Lambie
Dawn Mason
Dr. Zakiya Mwanatabu Stewart