'KUTANA' MEANS TO MEET
Exploring the theme of active, mutual engagement through cross-cultural encounters and service learning.
‘Meeting One Another’ - a program and a philosophy
The Swahili word "kutana," means "to meet, encounter or come upon" and signifies the mutual, reciprocol nature of a relationship. When one says, “tunakutana,” one is saying, “we are encountering one another, we are meeting each other, we are fellowshipping with one another.” KUTANA reflects the Ubuntu philosophy that is found in many African cultures, elevating the importance of community and mutuality, saying, "I am because We are."
KUTANA represents the spirit of profound mutuality that is what we hope will guide and infuse each of our programs and engagements.
Breaking Stereotypes
A KUTANA experience provides an opportunity and venue in which to challenge old assumptions based on new relationships with Kenyans of all stripes - indigenous people, clergy, scholars and cross-cultural workers.
During a KUTANA experience, participants listen to and learn from each other, engaging together in participatory service learning experiences that carry with them the potential for mutual transformation. Usually, one or more environmental field components will provide opportunities for participants to explore some of the most diverse, rich and spectacular habitats on the planet, leaving us in no doubt of our connections to other-than-human life.
We hope to promote both a preparedness prior to an experience as well as an incorporation of the lessons learned into the normal lives of participants upon conclusion of the program. As such, we schedule ample time for reflection and integration during the experience. Our goal is nothing less than the mutual transformation of participants.
Kutana programs
Having facilitated immersion experiences over the last 25 years with a number of academic institutions, seminaries and organizations, our current focus is on the development and nurturing of partnerships that result in the flourishing and thriving of marginaized Kenyan communities, particularly those associated with our Integrated Child Development Centers. As such, the experiences we facilitate are preceded by a commitment to invest in the programs and activities associated with new or existing project sites. Typically these experiences occur during a 10 day experience in May or October of each year.
Africa Exchange meets people where they are, who they are, as they are - and relates with them in a way that reinforces their value and their significance in the world and to God.
– Dr. Tom Ginn, Physician, Winston Salem, NC