About The Kicheko Project

The Kicheko Project is a dynamic non-profit organization founded in 2022 by East African immigrants Denis Maronga and Fahima Ahmed. Based in Shoreline, Washington, the organization serves the greater Seattle area with a powerful mission to amplify the voices of minority and BIPOC artists in the Pacific Northwest.

Business Overview: Kicheko Project is a unique cultural hub located in North Seattle that combines an African Language and Cultural Education agency with an Events and Entertainment company. The mission is to showcase African culture through immersive educational programs and culturally rich events. The agency offers language classes in Swahili, Amharic, Somali, Yoruba, Zulu, and other African languages, while hosting diverse events such as music festivals, art exhibitions, fashion shows, storytelling nights, dance performances, and heritage workshops. Seattle’s multicultural population and growing African diaspora create a strong demand for cultural enrichment, which Kicheko addresses with engaging educational and entertainment services.

Mission Statement: To promote African heritage, language, and culture in the Seattle community through dynamic educational programs and entertainment experiences, fostering intercultural understanding, pride, and unity.

Vision Statement: To become a leading institution in Seattle for African cultural education and entertainment, offering a platform where people of all backgrounds can celebrate and connect with the richness of African cultures through language, art, and live experiences.

Our Services

Our organization provides a comprehensive range of creative and empowering services, designed to uplift communities, preserve culture, and foster development. These include:

1. Language and Cultural Education:
   • Language Courses:
     • Children’s Programs: Interactive lessons for ages 4-12 in Swahili, Amharic, Yoruba, and Zulu, featuring games and cultural activities.
     • Adult Classes: Group or private lessons at various levels, focusing on conversation, writing, and cultural context.
     • Corporate Language Training: Tailored programs for businesses engaging with African markets.
   • Cultural Workshops and Seminars:
     • African History and Art: Workshops exploring African art, history, and philosophy.
     • Music and Dance: Classes in traditional drumming, dance, and music by African artists.
     • African Cuisine Workshops: Hands-on cooking classes with cultural lessons.
2. Events & Entertainment:
   • African Comedy, Music & Dance Festivals: Large-scale events with live performances and cultural activities.
   • Fashion Shows: Showcasing traditional and modern African fashion.
   • Art Exhibitions: Featuring African visual arts, sculpture, and photography.
   • Storytelling Nights: Sharing African folktales and legends through oral traditions.
   • Cultural Heritage Workshops: Partnerships with schools and nonprofits for youth education.
3. Community Engagement & Partnerships:
   • Collaborations with Schools and Universities: Integrating African heritage into curricula.
   • Community Outreach Programs: Events and courses for underserved groups.
   • Corporate Partnerships: Cultural training and events for organizations.
4. Empowerment Programs:
   • Boys2Men Mental Health Program: Mentorship for young men of color, offering mental health education, resilience training, and community support.
   • Domestic Violence Awareness: Workshops and campaigns to educate and support immigrant and BIPOC communities with prevention resources.
   • AI & Public Speaking Training: Tailored programs for businesses and nonprofits to enhance digital literacy and communication skills.
5. Cultural Preservation and Expression:
   • Event Planning & Execution: Festivals and workshops showcasing African heritage and supporting local artists.
   • Language & Cultural Education: Expanded classes in African languages (e.g., Swahili, Amharic) with workshops on history, music, dance, and cuisine.
   • BIPOC Youth Media & Arts Programs: Platforms for young creatives to engage in media, storytelling, and performances with mentorship.
6. Community Development:
   • Financial Literacy Workshops: Education on budgeting, credit, and investment for immigrants and underserved groups.
   • Interpretation and Translation Services: Support for immigrants in healthcare, legal, and educational settings.
   • Global Education Support Initiative: Aid for students in Brilliant Kids-Kayole, Kenya, with supplies, scholarships, and lunch programs.

About Our Founders

Denis Maronga: Born in Nairobi, Kenya, Denis discovered acting at 13 and later founded Kicheko to address the lack of African art spaces in Seattle. A creative director, producer, and comedian, he champions diversity through resilience.

Fahima Ahmed: Fleeing Somalia, Fahima resettled in Seattle in 2003 and co-founded Kicheko in 2022. As a board member, she uses art to bridge cultures and foster inclusion.

Community Impact

Denis’s personal experiences with homelessness and mental health inform the project’s healing focus. Partnerships with entities like Seattle Parks, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the African American Museum have created inclusive spaces.

Our Initiatives

• Concerts and Workshops: Highlighting local artists.
• Kicheko Nights: Annual talent showcases.
• School Lunch Feeding Program: Supporting Nairobi children.

Impactful Stories: Justin Muramba found hope through "Jollof and Jokes"; ELona Kearney grew her inclusivity commitment at a festival; Councilman Mohamed Abdi deepened community ties via art workshops.

Non-Profit Status

A 501(c)(3) organization (Tax ID: 87-3980970), donations are tax-deductible and sustain our mission.

Team Composition

Our diverse team includes designers, comedians, musicians, podcasters, writers, and developers from BIPOC communities, uplifting underrepresented voices.