“Dr. Kafajouffe’s background in teaching, managing organizations and individuals, and embracing diversity and multiculturalism will be a huge asset to Sankofa,” said Dr. Cheryl Celestin, Sankofa Board Chair. “Dr. Kafajouffe is a professional who has demonstrated excellence in managing complex organizational issues while developing and implementing creative visions for growth. He is a superb teacher with an extensive understanding of the art of teaching and education philosophy. Along with his knowledge, he will bring new energy to the Sankofa community.”
“Since moving to Lansing in 1986, I have actively sought to be a community asset for children and their parents. It has been my constant pledge that the Lansing community would come to know me as an educator with an uncompromising belief in the talent of our children. Please know I pledge every ounce of energy, love and commitment to serving the needs of the Sankofa family of students, parents and educators. As a seasoned educator, I understand the needs of preparing our students to be 21st century world citizens,” said Dr. Kafajouffe.
“My goal is to have Sankofa Shule Pubic School Academy be synonymous with excellence,” said Dr. Kafajouffe.
Dr. Kafajouffe outlined his vision for the new Sankofa curriculum including:
· Accelerated options in the core content areas (Mathematics, Language Arts, Science Social Studies)
· Implementing an accelerated kindergarten reading program
· Promoting pre-engineering and fine arts programs
· Implementing a Pre Engineering/Fine Arts 7/8th grade curriculum
· Implementing research-based focus on student self-esteem
· Incorporating measures of continuous improvement and assessment
· Establishing a Sankofa Drum and Dance Company (Djembe Jammers)
· Establishing Sankofa Warriors Honor Roll Program
Dr. Kafajouffe joins Sankofa after serving as the CEO/Senior Consultant at Human Relations Renaissance Co. Prior to that position, he held numerous positions at Olivet College including Vice President and Dean, Vice President for Diversity, Associate Dean of International and Multicultural Education and Assistant Professor. Also at Olivet College, he won the Riethmiller “Excellence in Teaching” award for an unprecedented two consecutive years.
Dr. Kafajouffe received his undergraduate, masters and doctorate degrees from Michigan State University. His doctorate degree was an interdisciplinary focus in Counseling/Educational Psychology, Child & Family Ecology, and Therapeutic Recreation/ Psychosocial.
Dr. Kafajouffe will replace Maxine Hankins Cain who resigned in June 2006.
Sankofa Shule Public School Academic is a college prepatory public school academy serving students in Kindergarten through eight grades. The focus of Sankofa Shule is an African-centered curriculum with multi-sensory, multi-model, multi-dimensional and multi-cultural strategies for an experiential school-based model of empowerment. The mission of Sankofa Shule is to center, educate and nurture all students to achieve their maximum potential, while developing future leaders.
