Hello friends and community,

As my birthday approaches this year, I’m doing something a little different. Instead of celebrating with gifts, I’m asking for support toward a meaningful educational opportunity: participating in the Cultural Reconnection Study Tour to Kenya through The Evergreen State College Tacoma.

From March 17 through March 31, I will be traveling with a group of students and community members to Kenya as part of a two-week experiential learning program. Cultural Reconnection brings students into direct dialogue with professionals, educators, and community members while learning within their African context and exploring questions of history, identity, and global connection.

During the program we will travel through Nairobi, Kisumu, Kakamega, Homa Bay, and Mombasa, engaging with universities, community organizations, and local leaders. The tour focuses on four areas of study: education, international agencies and law, business, and the environment. Through seminars, site visits, and cultural immersion, we will explore the landscape, communities, and histories that shape these regions.

This program also carries a meaningful legacy at Evergreen Tacoma. The late Maxine Mimms, founder of the Tacoma campus, traveled on similar study tours alongside students and faculty as part of her vision for culturally grounded and globally connected education. That spirit continues today through the leadership of our dean, Dr. Tate-Arunga, who helps guide opportunities for students to engage directly with communities, history, and learning beyond the classroom.

As a student, mother, and someone preparing for a future in law and community advocacy, opportunities like this help expand my perspective and deepen my understanding of the global connections that shape justice, education, and community life.

I’m grateful that I have already been able to cover my plane ticket, but I’m raising funds to help with living expenses while I’m there, including meals, transportation, and day-to-day costs during the program.

For my birthday this year, if you were planning to give a gift, a contribution toward this experience would mean a lot. Any amount helps, and sharing this fundraiser is also deeply appreciated.

Thank you for supporting opportunities that allow me to learn, grow, and connect with the wider world.

With gratitude,

Jamila K. Jones