On Objects and Voices: Material Culture and Oral History in the Case of Shule Ya Kujitambua

Shule Ya Kesho

In 1978, one year after Shule Ya Kujitambua closed, the devastating loss of the institution was felt profoundly. A group of Oberlin College Students decided to restart the school under the name Shule Ya Kesho. For seven years the school operated relatively covertly and only on Saturdays.



In 1984, Oberlin students recommitted themselves to educating African American students in the town. The tutors spent the 1984 Winter Term reeducating themselves to properly meet the needs of their student. The tutors spent each day in Swahili lessons, red-cross trainings, and traveling to another Shule in Chicago to get ideas. 

“Shule philosophy is a holistic integration of mind, body and spirit. Without a healthy body, the mind cannot function well. Without a positive self-image, the other aspects of a person so not work well either”




Shule Ya Kesho could expect up to 30 students a week. Over the course of the day these students would learn “African history and reading… mathematics, and several hours on culturally-related activities.” Shule Ya Kesho ascribed to the same values as Shule Ya Kujitambua. The students followed the Nguzo Saba and sang many of the same songs as the day school had. 





 

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