Meet Our Homeschool Co-op Educators!
Umineefa Younger
Program Director/Akoko Nan Educator
Umineefa Younger, is affectionately known in her community as Mama Umi. Mama Umi is a homeschool and educational visionary. Umi has designed Afrikan-centered curriculum, critical educational tools, resources, children’s events, and conferences since 2008. Saving Our Babies Inc., is a 501{c(3), non profit organization birthed by her and her husband Baba Cee Allah in Brooklyn, NY in 2015. Mama Umi earned her bachelor's degree from The College of New Rochelle in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Psychology. She has founded the Watoto Uhuru Shule, and Akoko Nan Homeschool Collective which is an educational empire forging a new reality for the holistic cultivation of children throughout the Afrikan diaspora. Saving Our Babies Arts & Cultural Center is a sovereign seeking, independent, Afrikan Centered institution that serves as a pillar that provides culturally relevant resources, training, and vast options of everyday support for those who have taken on the great responsibility of “Educating Our Own.”
Arrea Anderson
Watoto Uhuru Shule
My name is Sister Arrea Anderson. I am the kindergarten/first grade educator. Over the past three and a half years I have developed an interest in building our children academically, culturally and socially. My knowledge has grown through my experience working with and caring for children starting as a preschool Teacher’s Assistant. My work allows me to form relationships of trust that enable young children with additional needs to achieve their age-adjusted milestones and their social and emotional development. I work well with children of all ages on a one-to-one basis or in small groups. These building blocks have significantly enhanced my abilities, skills and passion for learning and exploring African history and culture. This helps me impart such knowledge to young children. I’m fond of seeing the children's reaction to new discoveries. I’ve gained a great deal of knowledge working in an African-centered environment. We are going to have an amazing school year and I am super excited!
Sis Jasmine Harris
Watoto Uhuru Shule
Greetings! I am Sister Jasmine Harris, I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. For several years I worked as a dental assistant in pediatric and general practices. I was introduced to Mama Umi by way of The International People’s Democratic Uhuru Movement (InPDUM) where we are both members. I have always been interested in working with the children in our community and the opportunity to do such came at the perfect time. Working with the children at Watoto Uhuru Shule has been a very positive and educational experience. It feels good to have a part in shaping the minds of our young scholars. I love to spend my spare time with my 5 yr old nephew who is my Watoto away from Watoto Uhuru Shule. I will function as assistant teacher for both Watoto Uhuru Shule and Akoko Nan tribes. I enjoy and love our children.
Sis Kairis Daniels
Afterschool Coordinator Gymnastics Coach/Chess Coach
Queens, New York native Kairis Sheila Daniels, is an artist and educator (teaching artist). Kairis has spent decades of her life committed to art and education involving the exploration of the human body. As she journeys through the community, Kairis embraces the ways that allow her to merge her gifts of dance, fitness, art, and healing. She has been teaching and coaching a variety of dance, sports, chess, and academic classes for over 10 years at private schools, community centers, and performing arts centers in her community.
In 2020, Kairis joined the Saving Our Babies Arts family. This life choice has allowed her to share herself and her plethora of skills with our community while learning and growing in the same safe space. Kairis teaches acrobatic arts & chess. Sis Kairis also Afterschool Coordinator, supporting our scholars with homework help and daily activities including dance, creative movement, sports, games, and art.
Kairis Sheila is on a mission to encourage, educate, enhance and brighten herself and our future and the future is in our stars.