Kuumba is an educational organization dedicated to nurturing and developing the whole child through initiatives that build a foundation for academic and social success.
Our Focus
Reading Literacy
Mathematics Literacy
Positive Character Development
Cultural Awareness
Creativity
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Respect for the Environment
Health & Wellness
Our Philosophy
Every child is a gift.
Our Work
Kuumba Kids™ is an innovative developer and provider of culturally rich educational programs and materials for children. Kuumba Kids ™ educates the whole child using a variety of outlets to promote creative learning and development. These include educational programs, CD’s, videos, books, an interactive website featuring the Kuumba Kids™ characters, and the Kuumba Discovery & Play Zone™. Our programs and educational materials are research-based and aligned to Common Core Standards.
Meet IYA!
Iya (Bashea Jenkins-Imana) is an Award-winning educator and entertainer. She has inspired, educated, and empowered thousands of young people for over 25 years. Iya is the founder of Kuumba Kids, an innovative developer and provider of culturally affirming and relevant early childhood educational programs, curriculum, and materials. Iya's energetic, enthusiastic, and motivating personality captivates young people of all ages. As a Master Educator and teaching artist, Iya creates academic curriculums and provides educational enrichment programs, professional development, in-school residencies, and performances throughout the country. Her work has been featured in local and national newspapers, magazines, television, and radio. Her first educational CD, “Ooh Kuumba!” has sales worldwide. Iya started as a professional vocalist, musician, and radio personality. She later made a career change to education and taught music and specialized reading programs. She served as a mentor for new teachers, assistant-director of the Prince George’s County Southern Honors Chorus, and cultural arts director & coordinator for several summer camps in the DC metropolitan area. Iya has been recognized by her educational peers as one of the best teachers in the country. Iya also served as a Master Educator for DC Public Schools. As a Master Educator, Iya worked to ensure that highly effective teachers were in every classroom. Today through Kuumba Kids, she trains teachers, childcare providers, and parents on making children’s educational experiences culturally relevant and affirming and using the arts to teach core academic content. In 2013, Bashea was a recipient of Prince George's County's Top Forty UNDER 40 award for her outstanding work in education.
