Living the Values

As Director of Children’s Ministry, Tsitsi has been a champion of her K.U.T.A.M.B.A. approach, instilling the K.U.T.A.M.B.A. method of instruction, instilling ardent values into our children of kindness, understanding, trust, acceptance, mindfulness, belonging, and authenticity. K.U.T.A.M.B.A. unites our children with one another and the church congregation as Tsitsi passionately and enthusiastically pilots programs to connect people across generations.

Tsitsi leads with a strong values-based approach, grounded in the belief that educators do their best work when they feel supported, trusted, and equipped. Her K.U.T.A.M.B.A. approach continues to have a profound and positive impact on the team, fostering a culture of belonging, authenticity, and reflection.

I was introduced to KUTAMBA at our early childhood center on my very first week. I quickly realized it was more than just a check-in. Each value served as a way to reflect on my work as a teacher, and it also allotted me time to think about my own life and how that pours into my abilities in the classroom. It has taught me the importance of progress over perfection, and appreciating all the “little” wins. I hope to continue to learn more about how to incorporate KUTAMBA into my life, as well as into the lives of my students.

K.U.T.A.M.B.A. has taught me how to be a better, more authentic person in every area of my life. In the classroom, it guides me to teach my young students the value of kindness and a true sense of belonging, while helping me remain a mindful and understanding student myself. I strive to apply these beautiful principles daily, and I’ve even begun sharing their values with others. To me, K.U.T.A.M.B.A. is truly a powerful force that connects the world.

When I think of KUTAMBA I am reminded of my team member check-ins and the reflections we incorporate as a center-wide staff. Tsitsi brought this word, meaning to play, with this inspiring philosophy and it stuck with me right away. I believe it is essential for educators of all ages to model each value and character included in KUTAMBA, and Tsitsi has created this to be accessible and inclusive for everyone to use. My co-teacher and I knew right away this philosophy belonged in our classroom, where we spend one month focusing on each attribute at a time. This has been fulfilling and reflective for staff and children alike, and I plan to use this with everyone I work with in the future!