Tamkara Adun and her community is changing the way African histories and languages are taught

Find out how the creator Tamkara Adun built an engaged learning community as well as an educational products to help teach people who have been decolonized African language and history.

After Tamkara along with her husband as well as her two children relocated from Nigeria in the Netherlands and everything was different. They were immersed in the culture of another country, Tamkara quit her job in HR as well as her kids started attending a new school.

Tamkara was concerned that with the new school course, her kids were learning history from a European perspective that didn't cover many of Africa's stories, civilizations, and accomplishments.

She recalls "They knew a few things about African history, but it was history that was told through a colonized narrative that didn't talk about the importance of their ancestral ancestors. I wanted them not to become so swallowed up in the stories of other people that they forget their personal. I would like them to have a broad understanding but also understand their African culture in a manner which was authentic and true to them."

Eager to fill this gap, Tamkara decided she would instruct them all by herself. She started reading important African writers, chatting with family members, and scouring online archives. "As I began teaching students, I realized that there was a lot I didn't know," she remembers. "In my process of educating them, I was also educating myself."

Tamkara knew that if she or her family members needed this info, then others would also.

"It was a long and difficult journey for me. When I started, I knew there was no going back. The more you know, the more you realize there is a lot you do not know. I'm always learning and taking in this fresh information. However, I also wanted to pass it on. Learning is a gift. You shouldn't keep it to yourself."

The belief in this premise prompted Tamkara to create an online company named Odunife  that translates to "Year of Love" in Yoruba as well as to build an environment that is based on reciprocity. Others were eager to rediscover history through an African perspective, and the more she shared her knowledge and influenced her students, the more they taught her in return.

Their questions and contributions, combined with her research resulted in education courses and eBooks. an illustrated children's book , a language school  and the 1:1 coaching program that expand the world's knowledge of African historical events.

The creation of a community that is collaborative in knowledge

Community is at the center and soul of Tamkara's venture which began with an easy Instagram account . It was her desire to keep a record of the things she was learning even if it was only glanced at by a small group of followers. "It was similar to an echo" she recalls. "I had put my information out, and there was no response."

However, gradually Tamkara connected with others fascinated by African historical events through a decolonized, africa-centric viewpoint. The more details Tamkara published she shared, the more followers engaged with her, reblogged, and even added their own friends to the list. People who follow Tamkara also started sharing their personal knowledge and experiences, creating a reciprocal learning environment.

"It's a two-way street that I'm sharing and I'm still studying."

"I write something  with the intention that people reading the comments will expand on the topic," she explains. "It's a community of learning in which we're gaining a deeper understanding of history and things that happened during the past."

Tamkara gained momentum by connecting with creators in her area, guest posting, and leading with passion.

First, Tamkara contacted thought leaders she was awed by via remarks or directly messages. She told them their posts struck her as relevant and she shared their posts in order to amplify their voices. She would frequently go to her website and follow her in a spirit of reciprocity.

In the end, viewers could tell she was committed to her work. "People will know the passion you have for the work you're doing. This builds trust and loyalty. I focused on posting good content that people are naturally inclined to share, putting my name in front of more individuals," she explains.

Within two years, her account grew from just 50 to 24,000 followers.

Tamkara's followers have been the backbone of her efforts throughout the process. Together with her followers, they have established a constructive feedback loop where all members can learn and share their knowledge with each other. With all the knowledge available, Tamkara knew it was time to take a leap and create her first product.

Create a community by bringing together products

"I always pay attention to what people say. A lot of times, especially on Instagram users will say what they're looking for. If the item me and you are seeking isn't available I'm forced to try to create that service."

Also, she wrote a children's book called Osasu and the Great Wall of the Benin Empire . The book was about African innovation that she wanted her kids to remember as well as she was aware that other households in the community would be interested in a book about African cultural heritage.

"It's wonderful to be able to recognize different histories from different parts of the globe However, African children must know their own history as well. This builds self-esteem and self-confidence," she elaborates. "I think every historical event, story, should be on the screen."

The school for language was next.

"Many people said they wanted to learn African languages, particularly those of us living in diaspora, whose ancestors were taken away during the African Maafa and their languages taken away."

Then she started facilitating groups of people to share her native language in a casual learning environment. "Anyone could join Zoom and attend. The event was enjoyable. It was a lot of laughter. I could see the space and some interest."

So Tamkara got in touch with instructors of language across Africa to build an online school of language .

Then, when people approached her with questions with complicated answers, Tamkara created a 1:1 coaching offer.

"A number of people send me questions. I'd love to take the time to respond to all of them, but certain questions require more time and thought as well as research. Coaching programs allow us to have a full conversation."

Through her work with the community, Tamkara continually identifies needs and fulfills them by providing products that spread information, truth and love.

: A versatile platform for multi-passionate entrepreneurs

With a variety of passions and a never-ending list of ideas, Tamkara needed a place to house her work. That was the reason she chose .

"I was looking for an opportunity that offered my versatility," Tamkara reflects. "I wake up early in the morning with numerous ideas running through my head. I needed a space in which I could store everything all in one place."

"Having my team on hand for any technical issue eliminates the anxiety and burden of trying to figure it all out on my own. I feel like has not only just supported my business, but has also partnered with me in the development of my company," she shares.

"I'm passionate about communicating and love having different touchpoints to talk to my people. When I'm online, you can communicate with me right away. If I'm not available I'll receive an email notification so I can reach out. It's also possible to send broadcast messages to my entire viewers or to a group of people that are interested in any of my offerings. This has been an amazing game changer."

In essence, creatives require tools that free them up to concentrate on what they do best. Like Tamkara says, " eliminates the technical stress and gives me space to focus on my creative endeavors, which is what I love to do the best. It's a place where I can get help and support me, which is invaluable."

Tamkara's advice: Get support and chase your dreams

When she created Odunife, Tamkara learned how essential it is having a supportive system and to take big leaps. She advises other creators to follow the same advice.

Concentrate on your strengths, and don't do on your own.

It's common for entrepreneurs to be able to do ten jobs, but Tamkara insists on the fact that nobody can be able to do everything on their own. "You can't do everything," Tamkara emphasizes. "Figure out how you can do it best , and then put your effort into it. If you are in areas where you're not so proficient, get people to help with your work."

Do not wait around for things to be perfectly

Have something you want to communicate with the world? Tamkara is adamant about taking that leap and getting to know the process.

"Don't just wait for everything to be perfect, since they'll never be perfect." Tamkara says.

"The process of learning lies done. If you have an idea, take it to it. It's impossible to predict what's going to result from the idea. It's likely that your original plan will alter, and you'll have numerous iterations. If you don't wait until it's be perfect, you'll probably never start."

Find out what you'd like to accomplish and discover ways to achieve it beginning by establishing yourself.

"We learn to cut trees by cutting them." -"African Proverb"

All that Tamkara is aware of as creative was learned from her job. It can be intimidating beginning from the ground up, but nothing will take place until you've completed the first step .

"A number of people did not recognize my vision, however I had that deep conviction that it was something I must do. Most of the time the intuition of our minds can tell us things that we don't be able to physically experience. If your mind is insisting that you perform something, and your soul is nudging you towards something, explore that idea and go on that journey."

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