By By Mahamadou S. Toure
For many immigrant families, preserving culture while helping children succeed in their new home can be a delicate balance. Since 2018, one community leader, Nakandia Keita, Founder of Farafina Dambe Inc. has been working to bridge that gap by creating opportunities for children to learn about their heritage, build strong character, and celebrate their culture in meaningful ways.
Long before arriving in the United States, Nakandia Keita had a deep interest in culture and children’s education. She believed that culture plays an important role in shaping identity and that children should grow up understanding where they come from while preparing for their future.
That vision began to take shape in 2018 while participating in a monthly women’s gathering. The gatherings provided a valuable opportunity for women to connect, support one another, and strengthen friendships. Yet she noticed something was missing.
“We were happy to come together as women,” Nakandia Keita reflected, “but I felt we should also involve our children.”
From that simple idea, a new initiative was born. She organized events centered on three themes: culture, character, and cuisine.
The first event was met with excitement and enthusiasm. Parents were delighted to see their children gathering together and singing songs in their mother tongue rather than only in English. For many families, it was a powerful reminder that cultural traditions could continue even while raising children in America.
As the years went on, the events became a cherished tradition. Rather than focusing only on nationally recognized holidays such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, she chose cultural and religious celebrations that connected children to their heritage. During these gatherings, children learned how to greet one another during important holidays in their native language.
One memorable example is the traditional Eid greeting, “Sambè-Sambè,” commonly heard in Mali. Children learned the greeting during the events and later returned home sharing it with family members and friends. Through simple moments like these, cultural knowledge was passed from one generation to the next.
The program continued to grow and evolve. Eventually, Nakandia Keita added another component that became a favorite among participants: cuisine. Children learned how to prepare traditional foods and then presented their creations to parents and guests. They proudly explained the names of the dishes, the ingredients used, and the preparation process.
The activity did more than teach cooking skills. It gave children confidence, encouraged communication, and deepened their appreciation for their cultural heritage.
As participation increased, she realized the initiative needed a stronger structure to support future growth. In 2025, Nakandia Keita established Farafina Dambe Inc., transforming the community effort into a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving culture, promoting character development, and strengthening family connections.
Along the way, the organization encountered opportunities that required thoughtful planning. One example was the introduction of uniforms for participating children. While parents would be responsible for the cost, the purpose was not merely appearance. The uniform symbolized unity and equality.
Every child would feel included. No one would stand out because of financial circumstances, and every participant would feel like an important part of the group. The uniform became a way to reinforce the message that all children are valued equally.
Today, the impact of the program can be seen in the relationships formed among the children. By growing together, learning together, and celebrating together, they develop lasting friendships and a stronger sense of identity. The hope is that these bonds will continue into the future, helping young people support one another and make positive choices as they navigate life’s challenges.
The initiative has also attracted appreciation beyond its original community. Families from other cultural backgrounds have participated in events and brought their children to experience the activities. Community members have expressed gratitude for creating a space where culture, education, and family engagement come together.
She is also thankful to the City of Columbus and community partners who support opportunities for cultural expression and community engagement. Their support helps make it possible for families from diverse backgrounds to share traditions, learn from one another, and build stronger communities.
Looking ahead, her vision remains focused on the next generation. She hopes to continue expanding programs that help children remain connected to their roots while developing the character, confidence, and sense of belonging needed to thrive in the future.
What began as a simple observation during a women’s gathering has grown into a lasting community effort—one that continues to preserve culture, strengthen families, and bring people together, one child at a time.
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