We've launched a successful 1st week of our 3rd year as an official CDF® Freedom School site.
A resounding theme I hear from scholars, volunteers, and Servant Leader Interns (SLI’s) is how much they enjoy Harambee. A morning ritual, designed to excite, motivate and prep scholars for a day of activity-based learning.
It's a magical sight witnessing the new and returning scholars, volunteers and SLI's from a wide range of races, ages and socio-economic backgrounds come together and empower each other through song and dance.
What is Harambee? Harambee is a Swahili word that means "let's pull together" and is a long-standing tradition in Kenya. A harambee represents an unwritten law of generosity, regardless of class, ethnic group, gender, or religious background. The phrase is best known as a method of unity used during the acceptance speech by Jomo Kenyatta, the first president of newly independent Kenya in 1963. Through the philosophy of helping anyone in need, it brought people together, and through action, positive transformation began.
As I learned more behind the meaning, I couldn’t help but reflect on this time last year when I first became a Freedom School volunteer. I witnessed what happens when people from diverse backgrounds and experiences come together. Its power went much deeper than a song or cheer it transformed lives…and not just the scholars. It led me to live out my purpose.