Tamkara Adun and her community is changing the ways African history and languages are taught

Learn how creator Tamkara Adun built an engaged education community and a product line to teach people who have been decolonized African language and history.

The moment that Tamkara, her husband, as well as her two children relocated from Nigeria to the Netherlands and everything was different. They were immersed in the culture of another country, Tamkara left her career in HR, and her children began attending a new primary school.

Tamkara observed that, in their current program, the children were studying history from a European view that did not cover the stories of Africa's cultures, and achievements.

She recollects "They knew a few things about African history However, this was that was told through a colonized narrative that did not discuss the importance of their ancestral ancestors. I wanted them not to become so swallowed up in the stories of other people that they forgot their personal. I desired them to be well-rounded yet also comprehend their African culture in a manner that is authentic and true to them."

In a bid to bridge this need, Tamkara decided she would instruct them all by herself. She began reading famous African writers, chatting with relatives, and digging into online archives. "As I started teaching them, I realized there was so much I hadn't been taught," she remembers. "In the process of educating the students, I was learning about myself."

Tamkara was aware that if she or her family members needed the information she had, other people might too.

"It was a journey for me. When I started, I knew there was no turning back. The more you understand, the more you realize you don't know. I wanted to keep learning and taking in this fresh information. However, I was also eager to share. The gift of knowledge is to share it with others. You shouldn't keep it for yourself."

This notion prompted Tamkara to start an online business called Odunife  that translates to "Year of Love" in Yoruba in order to create the concept of reciprocity in a group. Many were keen to relive historical events through an African lens. The more she spoke, the more her audience learned from her.

The questions they asked and their contributions together with her studies, culminated in educational courses and ebooks, the first of which is a book for children , a language school , and one-on-one coaching programs that broaden the global knowledge of African history.

A collaborative and supportive community for learning

The community is the core and the soul of Tamkara's company It all began with a simple Twitter account . She wanted space to document her learning experiences, even if the content was just seen by a handful of followers. "It was similar to an echo" she remembers. "I was putting information out, and nobody was listening."

However, gradually Tamkara began to connect with people who are who were interested in African culture from a decolonized, African-centered viewpoint. The more details Tamkara posted she shared, the more followers engaged with her, reblogged, and even added their own friends to the list. Followers also started volunteering their knowledge and experience and creating a learning community.

"It's an open-ended relationship where I'm sharing, and I'm in the process of taking classes."

"I publish an idea  with the intention that people reading the comments can expand upon the concept," she explains. "It's a community of learning in which we're gaining a deeper understanding of history and things that have happened during the past."

Tamkara has gained traction through connecting with other creators in her niche, guest posting, and leading with passion.

First, Tamkara contacted thought leaders she was awed by via posts or messages. Tamkara informed them that their content were a hit with her, and she reshared the content of their followers to amplify their voices. She would frequently check her out and then keep following her in the spirit of reciprocity.

Finally, audience members could tell she was enthusiastic about what she did. "People are able to tell that you are passionate about your work. This builds trust and loyalty. My focus was on creating good content that people are naturally inclined to share. This put me in front of even more potential customers," she explains.

In just two years, her followers grew from 50 followers to over 24,000 followers.

Tamkara's social network has formed the basis of her work every step of the way. Together, she and her followers have created a positive feedback loop in which all participants can learn and share their knowledge with each others. With so much knowledge circulating, Tamkara knew it was time to take a leap and create her first product.

Fill the gap with community-led solutions

"I always listen to people. Most of the time especially on Instagram the users tell you what they're looking for. If something that we both are seeking isn't available, I feel compelled to try to create that offer."

She also wrote a children's book called Osasu and the Great Wall of the Benin Empire . It told the story of African innovation that she wanted her children to remember and she knew that many communities would be interested in a book about African culture.

"It's great to appreciate different histories from other parts of the world, but African children must know their history too. This builds self-esteem and self-confidence," she elaborates. "I think every tale, each and every story should be on the screen."

The next step was the language school.

"Many individuals have stated that they would like to master African languages, especially those of us from the diaspora who's grandparents were removed in the African Maafa and then had their language taken away."

She started leading small group sessions in order to share her native language in a casual learning environment. "Anyone could join Zoom and participate. It was a lot of fun. It was a lot of laughter. I noticed that there was a gap and there was an excitement."

So Tamkara got in touch with instructors of language all over Africa for the purpose of creating an online language school .

After that, as the audience members approached her and asked questions with complex answers, Tamkara created a 1:1 coaching program.

"A number of people send me with questions. I'd like to find time to answer all of them. However, certain questions require more time and thought, and research. Coaching packages allow us to engage in a lengthy conversation."

By working with her communities, Tamkara constantly identifies the needs of her community and fulfills them by providing products which spread knowledge, honesty, and joy.

: A versatile platform for multi-passionate entrepreneurs

With multiple passions and a never-ending flow of thoughts, Tamkara needed a place for her creative work. It led her to .

"I searched for an opportunity that offered my versatility," Tamkara reflects. "I get up in the morning and have many thoughts in my mind. I was looking for a place where I could have everything all in one place."

"Having the team for any technical issue removes the pressure and burden of trying to figure everything out myself. I'm grateful that they have not just been there for me , but also collaborated with me in the development of my company," she shares.

"I'm big on communicating and I love the variety of touch points for my friends to chat. If I'm online, they can chat with me right away. If I'm not there, I'll get an email so that I'll be able to contact them. It's also possible to send broadcast messages to my entire audience or a segmented group that are interested in any of my offerings. This has been an amazing game changer."

The simple answer is that creators require devices that allow them to do the best work. According to Tamkara states, " eliminates the technical tension and frees me up to be able to concentrate on my creative projects, which is exactly what I do best. Someone is there to assist and support me, which is invaluable."

Tamkara's suggestion: Find assistance and pursue your goals

When she created Odunife, Tamkara learned how crucial it was to have support and take bold leaps. She advises other creators to do the same.

Concentrate on your strengths and don't go it alone

Entrepreneurs are often required to be able to do ten jobs, but Tamkara insists on the fact that no one can be able to do everything on their own. "You can't do everything," Tamkara emphasizes. "Figure out what you do best , and then put your effort there. In the areas where you're not quite as skilled seek out help from others who can assist you."

Do not wait around for things to become flawless

Do you have something that you would like to communicate your thoughts with others? Tamkara is adamant about taking that leap and becoming a better person along the way.

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

"The process of learning lies through doing. If you have an idea, take it to it. You never know what will emerge from the idea. Your original idea will change, and you'll have iterations along the way. However, if you put off trying to get it right, you'll likely not even begin."

Find out what you'd like to do and learn methods to get it done beginning by establishing yourself.

"We learn to cut tree by cutting." -- African Proverb

Everything Tamkara has learned about being creative was learned on the job. It's a bit daunting beginning from the ground up But nothing is going to take place until you've taken your first steps .

"A majority of people couldn't see my vision, but I was able to trust my inner conviction that it was something I need to accomplish. More often than not the intuition of our minds can tell us things that we don't have a physical sense of. If your subconscious is insisting that you take action, or your heart has been directing you in the direction of some thing, investigate that thought and follow that path."

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