Jen’s Story…

Jen pictured here with her husband Charles

Can you dance?  I mean can you really dance?  Well, meet one of our cheerful dancers at ChezaNami, Jen Maina.  An educator, an avid Safari Adventure Traveler, Mom and a great mind, Mrs.Maina is a great help to Cheza Nami.  She delights in teaching and interacting with children—it’s her destiny she says.  Maina has been with Cheza Nami since its inception, and was thrilled to join in as a Secretary of the Board.  She share that her decision was easy because she envisioned the contribution the organizations brings to the well being and development of our young minds.

When asked to elaborate her insights, Maina was quick to highlight, “Children are agile and can be inspired by almost anything, playful dance, etc.  Whether that happens in the dance studio, while at the park or in a classroom; interactive play is essential to their growth and development.  And the more we offer it to our children the better of they will be.”   She adds, as a teacher, she often has to be innovative in her methodologies and approaches when introducing new concepts to her students, and dance is a great means by which the young can be exposed to the African culture, and the world at large.  Authenticity of the lessons and performances are some of her key selling points to other parents and adults who wish to join in on the fun—she notes that "it is all very real and the audience can sense it is from the heart.”

Being that she loves to dance to the tune of African music, drumming and the likes, she not only enjoys teaching the moves, but incorporating her expertise by sharing some of her teaching expertise to develop Cheza Nami programs and lessons plans.  When asked what would she like to share with others seeking similar experiences, she quickly point out that she has enjoyed much about Africa, and has visited many African countries and considers Kenya her second home.  "My husband is a native, and together we are privileged to operate a Safari and Travel company (www.overlandersafari.com).  We delight in sharing much of our experiences and joys of Africa with those we serve.  I would like to carve up all the wonderful sights, sounds, smells and taste of Africa.  It is a true experience when you can taunt the sensory system with such delights.”

Authored by Carolyne Njogu
Lead Strategy Consultant, U&I Synergy Consulting Group