Principles that Guide us in Cultural Reconnection We are 74 African American women who have reached out to hundreds of Kenyan women and formed significant relationships; our principle of Collective Action, supports these annual delegations. We inform and encourage women who are eager to go to Africa and investigate cultures that allow them to reconnect at personal levels of cultural commonalities with African women. Our principle of culturally respectful rites and practices supports these very personal experiences. During our time in Kenya, and upon return to the United States, we participate in dialogues that allow us to share our individual experiences and connections in expressions of discovery. Our principle of shared dialogue supports these transformations. We understand that males and females view the world and culture in ways that distinguish them as male and female. This has shaped our ability to connect at a true cultural connection and together with our African counterparts, move beyond the negative experiences of slavery and colonialism. Our principle of Gender Specificity, supports these cultural connections. A Highlight of the 2009 Delegation was an Official Visit with "Mama" Sarah Obama, the grandmother of President Barack Obama, at her Kogelo home. A CONVERSTION BETWEEN ELDERS "Front row from left; Kisumu former Mayor Priscah Auma, Marcia Tate Arunga, Dr. Maxine Mimms, Mama Sarah Obama, Dr. Julia Amayo and Dr. Damaris Ayodo. Video clip of conversation in Dhuluo and English between Dr. Mimms, Mama Sarah and Dr. Amayo. The number of people who have donated to and supported our joint ventures, too large to list. We thank each and every one of you. Our families, friends, co-workers, communities and those who hear about AAKEWO make these accomplishments possible and are creating a better future for the thousands of children and their caregivers who live well below any acceptable economic standard. All donations are tax deductible through our fiscal administrator; Parents for Student Success. You can make online donations at www.parentsforstudentsuccess.org click on the AAKEWO donation tab. Checks made payable to PFSS/AAKEWO P.O. Box 4233 Renton,WA 98057-4233 USA craakewo@gmail.com | What We are Accomplishing Water tanks in rural villages, with Duonga, Kogelo Women and Ujamaa Maji Safi Women Groups. Unsanitary water is the major cause of disease and death for children.  expSchool uniforms, education fees, capital improvements,text books, technical assistance expands education opportunities. Education Mission was in 2006.  The 40 foot container was sent in 2008 with books, medical supplies and equipment, school supplies, sanitary napkins for girl students and flip flops.  60,000 books distributed to six school, village, slum and research libraries in Kenya. Here Cultural Reconnection co-founder in the Wenedela Memorial Library in a village location near Kendu Bay.  Seminars were held in several locations including; Kisumu, Kogelo that further the reconnection between African American and Kenyan women  |