Wikipedia defines Ubuntu as “a set of closely related African-origin value systems that emphasize the interconnectedness of individuals with their surrounding societal and physical worlds. ‘Ubuntu’ is sometimes translated as ‘I am because we are’ (also ‘I am because you are’) or ‘humanity towards others’.”

Ubuntu is Teach With Africa’s “North Star”, and it was on full display at TWA’s Annual Gala, honoring the dynamic Flora Mugambi-Mutunga, held March 27th at Bissap Baobab restaurant on Mission Street!

With a sold-out crowd of 175, the event was a huge success.  Nine South African student teachers attended; here in the Bay Area, they have been participating in a three-week exchange program, working at partner schools and staying with gracious host families. We are grateful to the following 2024 TWA partner schools: The Bay School, The Katherine Delmar Burkes School, The Hamlin School, The Gateway Middle School, The Head-Royce School, The Kehillah School and The Town School for Boys.

John Gilmour, founder of LEAP Maths and Science Schools in South Africa, flew in specifically for the event and gave a moving speech about the inroads our partners, LEAP and GTI, have made in addressing educational inequality and the important role of Teach With Africa in these initiatives.      

Attendees also had the pleasure of hearing from two GTI educators, Thabelo Nemathangale and Emily Khomatsu Mamaru. Thabelo spoke from the heart about how losing his brother to violence inspired him to go into teaching and how GTI became a lifeline for him during this challenging time. Emily shared her story of how the women in her life, especially her mother, have given her the strength and motivation to become an empowered woman, and she hopes to provide similar inspiration to the young women in her classroom and community. 

We are extremely excited and grateful to announce that the Gala raised $187,000, $77,000 of which came from the Fund-A-Need raise the paddle curated by our extraordinary auctioneer, Matthew Perry.  

While the Gala is a vital gathering of supporters, a celebration of successes, and a fundraising initiative, TWA’s work continues throughout the year, working with our US-based partner schools and South African-based LEAP and GTI.  This summer we will have a cohort of American teachers in South Africa for three weeks working in LEAP schools and attending the GTI Summit.  Educators from both cohorts have described their experiences as transformative, life-changing, and revitalizing.  Each culture has an enormous amount to offer the other, and Teach With Africa is proud to facilitate this evolution/revolution in education for both communities.

Please click here for event photos.

Event Photography by Melissa Rivera <mel@4thasqvad.com>

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