HUTTO – A staff member within Hutto ISD brings a rich cultural experience to the Hutto community.
Elizabeth Kahura, functional academic aide at Kerley Elementary School, established the African Safari Program.
Kahura saw a need to provide enrichment on the true meaning of African culture. She established the African Safari Program. Through music, performing arts, storytelling literature, and original pictures, the audience actively participates in the feeling of Africa. This month Kahura will bring her program to elementary schools across the district.
Originally from Kenya, Africa, Kahura, was raised by her grandmother who was a farmer and businesswoman. Growing up in a tribe, Kahura learned to be resourceful, independent, and true to herself.
“My make,” as she explains, is to try not to be something she is not–holding strongly to her values so they will not erode.
Kahura loves cooking African food and dressing in African attire. She says those practices keep her grounded. Customs she holds most dear include treating others with respect-especially elders, being modest, and having integrity. Black History Month is
Black History Month is important to Kahura because it is a time to reflect on the origin of black people–the customs, values, and stories of the past that originated in Africa.
“During Black History Month, we are bringing up the past in an effort to fix the future and learn from the past,” said Kahura. “Black History Month is a time of appreciation and a time that I can share my gifts with the community. When I think of Black History Month, I think of empowerment and remembrance. It is a time of acknowledgment. To see the amazing leaders that have come before us that have created a path for us to keep going. There is still room to grow.”
Kahura has been with Hutto ISD since 2020 and currently works at Kerley Elementary School. Kahura is available for bookings through her website. She specializes in live performances for K-fifth grade.
