Exploring Kenyan culture at Central State University: A Journey with FLTA Eunice Kang'ethe

Central State University brought the vibrant culture of Kenya to its campus during International Education Week, an annual nationwide celebration promoting cross-cultural understanding. 

A session on Kenyan culture was hosted by Fulbright Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Eunice Kang'ethe, who shared the rich traditions, history and diversity of Kenya. Kang'ethe, who arrived in August, is teaching Swahili during the 2024-25 academic year.

The event, introduced by Dr. Fahmi Abboushi, director of the Center for International Education, served as an opportunity for the campus community to immerse themselves in Kenyan culture and gain a broader understanding of the world beyond the classroom. 

Kang'ethe’s journey to Central State 

Kang'ethe describes her time at Central State as a “home away from home,” though adjusting to Ohio’s climate has been an adventure. Coming from Kenya, where much of the country enjoys warm and tropical weather with lush landscapes, Kang'ethe has found Ohio’s climate and landscape to be vastly different.  

“I knew it would be cold, but I didn’t anticipate this much cold,” she said with a laugh in November, when temperatures dropped into the 30s. “I’m told it is yet to even be colder.” 

In Ohio, Kang'ethe has embraced the opportunity to share her culture and break stereotypes about Africa. 

“At Central State, I’ve been able to give people an experience of my culture. There are so many misconceptions, so I’m glad I’ve been able to clarify them,” she said.  

A glimpse into Kenya: A nation of diversity and heritage 

Kenya is a country in East Africa, bordered by five nations: Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the east, South Sudan to the northwest, Uganda to the west, and Tanzania to the south. It also has a stunning coastline along the Indian Ocean to the southeast. 

Home to approximately 55 million people, Kenya is known for its extraordinary cultural diversity, with over 40 ethnic groups. Each community has its own language, traditions and unique practices. Kang'ethe comes from the Kikuyu community, the largest ethnic group in Kenya. 

The country’s flag tells a powerful story of its history and values:  

• Black represents the people of Kenya. 
• White symbolizes peace. 
• Green signifies Kenya’s fertile land, which supports key agricultural exports like coffee and tea. 
• Red honors the blood shed during the country’s fight for independence from colonial rule. 
• The shield embodies the nation’s readiness to protect its sovereignty and people. 

Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, is a hub of economic development and innovation. Yet, the nation also faces disparities, with rural areas — especially arid regions — lacking access to education and infrastructure. Dense populations thrive in areas with consistent rainfall, which supports agriculture.  

Common phrases in Swahili include “jambo” (jahm-boh), meaning “hello,” “kwaheri” (kwah-HAIR-ree), meaning “goodbye,” “karibu” (kah-REE-boo), meaning “you’re welcome,” and “asante” (ah-SAHN-tee), meaning “thank you.”  

Building cultural bridges at CSU 

As Central State’s sole FLTA this year, Kang'ethe views her role as a chance to bridge cultures and foster understanding. Her event encouraged attendees to explore Kenyan traditions, including language, food and music. As one of Kenya’s two official languages, Swahili plays a crucial role in unifying its diverse ethnic groups alongside English. Kang'ethe highlighted the importance of language as a bridge for communication and understanding. 

The event also included discussions about Kenya’s vibrant traditions, from the breathtaking landscapes of the Maasai Mara to the rhythmic dances of its many tribes.  

“International Education Week is about celebrating the global connections that enrich our campus,” Dr. Abboushi said. 

“Eunice’s presence here is a testament to our commitment to promoting cultural exchange and diversity.” 

International Education Week is an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to explore cultures beyond their own, fostering a spirit of curiosity and global citizenship. Kang'ethe’s presence at Central State as an FLTA represents the University’s dedication to embracing diversity and preparing students for a globally connected world. 

Through Kang'ethe’s efforts, stereotypes have been challenged, cultural gaps bridged, and new friendships forged. Central State’s commitment to providing a platform for such events underscores its mission of inclusivity and global engagement. 

As Kang'ethe continues to share her journey and her heritage, she leaves an indelible mark on the Central State community, reminding everyone of the beauty of cultural exchange and the strength found in diversity. Central State University continues to foster global perspectives with events like these serving as a reminder of the power of education in uniting people from diverse backgrounds. 

Celebrating International Education Week  

Central State embraced the spirit of global exchange and diversity during its International Education Week celebrations. Among the featured events were the Taste of the World and the Honors College International Bazaar, offering attendees a glimpse into the rich tapestry of traditions and cuisines represented on campus. 

A Taste of the World 

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The Taste of the World brought faculty, staff and students together to share dishes from their native countries. Cuisine from Pakistan, Palestine, Kenya and the United States provided a delicious way to explore cultural heritage. This event demonstrated how food serves as a universal language, breaking down barriers and creating connections among people from diverse backgrounds. 

Honors College International Bazaar 

The Honors College International Bazaar spotlighted the experiences of several students, such as Avnaly Alceres, a student with a unique cultural identity. Born and raised on the island of Grand Bahama in the Bahamas, Alceres identifies as Haitian, reflecting her parents’ migration from St. Marc, Haiti, to the Bahamas. 

Alceres shared how her upbringing balanced both Bahamian and Haitian cultures, emphasizing the importance of understanding her roots. Her presentation highlighted Haiti’s historical significance, including its independence since Jan. 1, 1804, and the challenges it continues to face. She also discussed the linguistic diversity of Haiti, where most speak Haitian Creole and those with formal education often speak French. 

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Bridging cultures through education 

These events are part of a broader initiative by CSU to promote global citizenship and inclusivity. International Education Week underscores the importance of understanding different cultures, histories and traditions in today’s interconnected world. 

With flavorful dishes and compelling stories, International Education Week left a lasting impression, celebrating the beauty of diversity and the importance of cultural awareness. 

Central State University continues to lead by example, fostering an environment where cultural exchange is not just celebrated but embedded in its mission. Events like these remind the community of the power of education to unite people across borders, creating a more inclusive and understanding world.