Ustahimilivu Dadas

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Ustahimilivu brings together North American and Kenyan educators who are committed to healing and transforming our world through education for marginalized communities and who focus on the experiences and leadership of women and girls. We seek to foster international and cross-cultural learning between women educators and to support the development of Kenyan leaders. We also intend to shift dominant narratives about Africans, leadership, and women in leadership--intending for this shift to occur in all participants, both the Kenyan and the American. Finally, we hope to bring people together for learning, inspiration, celebration, and to cultivate resilience. We know that learning together, cross-cultural connection, and community make us stronger.

We are committed to honoring the knowledge, experiences, and humanity of the Kenyan people and to ensuring that we do not replicate colonial or neocolonial mindsets or power relationships. We--on the North American side of this project--do not see ourselves as the beholders of the knowledge and resources that will save poor African children. We recognize that the history of East Africa, including the violence and exploitation of colonialism, as well as climate change, bares great responsibility for the suffering in Kenya. As North Americans, and as beneficiaries of a living in a developed nation, whose development has come as a result of exploiting other people, will go to Kenya with:

• a spirit of deep humility
• a commitment to look past the dehumanizing stereotypes of African people
• a willingness to listen
• and an intention to recognize and share the full humanity of the people we meet.

At the same time, we also acknowledge that we must share what we know--about teaching, learning and leadership--and offer our insights and experiences in the hopes that our Kenyan colleagues can adapt this information to their contexts. We must be willing to listen and learn, and to offer what we know.

See the full Program description for more!