Tamkara Adun and her community have revolutionized the way African language and history are taught

Learn how the creator Tamkara Adun built an engaged learning community as well as an educational products to help teach the decolonized African language and history.

When Tamkara, her husband, along with her young kids relocated from Nigeria to the Netherlands the world changed. The family was immersed in the culture of another country, Tamkara had to quit her career in HR, and her children were enrolled in a new school.

Tamkara noticed that in their current program, the children were studying history from the European perspective that didn't cover all of the African stories, achievements, or civilizations.

She says "They learned a little about African historical events However, this was written in a colonized story which did not mention the incredible ancestors of their people. I didn't want them to become so swallowed up in other people's histories that they lost their own. I desired them to be well-rounded and also be able to comprehend their African culture in a manner that is authentic and believed in by them."

In a bid to bridge this space, Tamkara decided she would instruct them all by herself. Tamkara began to read influential African authors, conversing with relatives, and digging into online archives. "As I began to teach my students, I realized that there was so much I didn't know," she remembers. "In my process of educating them, I was also in the process of educating myself."

Tamkara realized that if and her family required the information she had, other people might as well.

"It was a journey for me, and once I got started, I was certain there was no turning around. As you learn more that you know, the more that you're not aware of. I was determined to continue exploring and learning latest information, however I was also eager to share. Learning is a gift. You shouldn't keep it for yourself."

This notion prompted Tamkara to create an online business named Odunife , which means "Year of Love" in Yoruba in order to create an environment that is based on reciprocity. Some were excited to revisit historical events by using an African perspective, and the more she shared her knowledge to her community, the more she learned from her.

Their contributions and questions as well as her work led to educational courses and ebooks, an illustrated children's book , a language school , and 1:1 coaching programs that expand the world's understanding of African culture and.

A collaborative and supportive community for sharing and learning

Community is the heart and soul of Tamkara's business, and it all started with an easy Instagram account . It was her desire to keep a record of what she was learning, even if it wasn't seen by a handful of followers. "It was like an echo," she recalls. "I had put my information out, and nobody was listening."

However, gradually Tamkara connected with others fascinated by African historical events in a non-colonial, Africa-centered view. The more details Tamkara shared and shared, the more people reacted in a conversation, shared, or added their own friends to the list. Followers also started volunteering their knowledge and experience to create a mutual learning space.

"It's an open-ended relationship where I'm sharing, and I'm still learning."

"I post some thing  with the intention that people reading the comments will expand on the concept," she explains. "It's an online community of knowledge in which we're gaining a deeper knowledge about the past and what happened that have happened in the past."

Tamkara became popular by connecting with the creators of her niche, guest posting and leading with passion.

First, Tamkara contacted thought leaders she was awed by via comments or direct messages. She told them their posts resonated with her and reshared their content to amplify their voices. She would frequently go to her website and be a part of her community in a sense of reciprocity.

Then, the audience could tell she was enthusiastic about what she did. "People are able to tell when you love the work you're doing. It creates trust and builds loyalty. It was about posting quality content that people are naturally inclined to share. This put me in front of more people," she explains.

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

Tamkara's social network has been the backbone of her work all the way. Together with her followers, they have created a positive feedback loop in which all participants are able to learn from one other. With all the knowledge available, Tamkara knew it was time to go bigger and develop her own product.

Make up for the missing space with community-driven products

"I always take note of people. Most of the time especially on Instagram the users say what they're looking for. If the item we both are seeking isn't available I'm forced to try to create that offer."

Also, she wrote a children's novel titled Osasu as well as the Great Wall of the Benin Empire . It told the story of African creativity she wanted her children to be able to recall and she knew that many households in the community would appreciate a book that celebrated African cultural heritage.

"It's wonderful to be able to recognize other histories that belong to different parts of the globe, but African kids must have a grasp of their past as well. It builds self-pride and creates confidence in yourself," she elaborates. "I believe that every story, every history, deserves its space on the screen."

The school for language was next.

"Many people said they wanted to master African languages, particularly our brothers and sisters living in diaspora, whose ancestral ancestors were evicted in the African Maafa and their languages stripped away."

Her first venture was to lead free group language sessions to share her native language in a casual learning environment. "Anyone could sign up on Zoom and attend. It was a lot of fun. There was laughter. I noticed the gap and an curiosity."

So Tamkara joined forces with teachers of languages from around Africa to build an online school of language .

When audience members approached her asking questions with complicated answers, Tamkara created a 1:1 coaching program.

"A majority of my readers send me asking questions. I would love to make an effort to reply to each of them. But others require more effort thinking, energy, and research. The coaching packages let us engage in a lengthy conversation."

Through her work with the community, Tamkara continually identifies needs and then fills them with items that share information, love, and joy.

: A versatile platform for multi-passionate entrepreneurs

A wide range of interests and an endless list of ideas, Tamkara needed a place for her creative work. That led her to .

"I was looking for a platform that would offer me versatility," Tamkara reflects. "I wake up each day with so many ideas in my mind. I needed a space in which I could store everything in one spot."

"Having an experienced team member for any technical issue takes away the stress and burden of trying to solve everything on my own. I feel like has not just been there for my business, but has also partnered with me to build my company," she shares.

"I'm big on communicating and I love the variety of touch points with my family and friends. When I'm online, I can talk to them right away. If I'm not there, I'll get an email alert so that I can reach out. It's also possible to send emails broadcast to my whole public or a specific group who are interested in my offerings. It's changed the game."

Simply put, creators need tools that free them up to do the best work. Like Tamkara states, " eliminates the technical stress and gives me space to focus on my creative projects, which is exactly what I love to do the best. It's a place where I can get help and encourage me. This is priceless."

Tamkara's advice: Get assistance and pursue your goals

As she built Odunife, Tamkara learned how important it is to have a support system and make bold moves. Tamkara advises others to do the same.

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

There is a common practice for business owners to have a variety of hats on however Tamkara insists on the fact that there is no way to accomplish it all on their own. "You can't do everything," Tamkara emphasizes. "Figure out what you are good at best , and then put your effort there. In the areas where you're not quite as skilled ask others to assist with your work."

Don't wait for things to be perfect

Have something you want to communicate with the world? Tamkara is adamant about taking that leap and learning on the way.

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

"The path to learning is in the doing. If you've got an idea, take it to it. It's impossible to predict what's going to result from the idea. Your original idea will change as you go through iterations along the way. If you don't wait until it's be perfect, you'll probably never start."

Discover what you wish to do and learn ways to achieve it by getting started.

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

Every thing Tamkara knows about being creative was learned through her work. It's a bit daunting starting from scratch however nothing can happen until you take your first steps .

"A majority of people couldn't see my vision, but I had that deep belief that this was something I have to do. Most of the time intuitively, we know things we do not necessarily know physically. If your brain is telling you to take action, or your heart has been directing you in the direction of something, explore that idea and follow that path."

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