My name is Rev. Dr. Adlene Kuarimai, a native of Zimbabwe. Growing up in Zimbabwe life was not easy. Our livelihood was based on farming and also financial support from my daddy who worked as a bus/truck driver. While daddy spent more time on the road, my mother Susan, would spend more of her time on the farm and also teaching community women hands-on projects to better their lives. She has been a community health worker for over thirty years, taking care of the health needs of her community under the World Health Organization. 

My mother Susan has been a great inspiration in my hands-on projects such as hairdressing, cooking, baking, gardening, crafting, etc. I had to learn the concept of entrepreneurship early for my survival, especially after high school. I had to do people’s hair, sewing, and part time jobs in order to put myself through college and become a school teacher which was my dream. To God be the glory!

I am thankful for angels along the way who helped in my graduate education in the United States when my husband, daughter, and I were afforded the opportunity to come to the United States in 2000. When life was tough in the USA, my hands became my source of relief through sewing and selling my crafts. I would sell these to family and friends and God has been faithful. I have tried my best to pass these skills to young people who are passionate about their God given gifts.

Kuumba Career Scholarship has been created in honor of the knowledge that Susan has imparted in many and has made a difference in individuals, their families, and communities. Kuumba is a Swahili word that means Creativity. Dr. Maulana Kurenga describes this as "to do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it."

Serving in under-resourced communities has given me a different view of what really matters in the life of humanity. Every human being needs to have a sense of belonging and a sense of being loved. Many of the young people I worked with were so gifted in many ways but could not find support, therefore feeling a sense of not being loved and losing a sense of belonging. In their quest for love and a sense of belonging, they will end up joining negative groups which in many times meant getting on the wrong side of the law.

In partnership with St.Paul-Triana UMC, I am inviting you to join us in supporting this worthy cause by donating to the scholarship fund. Your contribution will make a difference in someone’s life, family, and community.