The American Imani Project

The American Imani Project was formed in January 2005 and incorporated in January 2008. It is part of The Community Information Center, a 501C3 (Federal ID 93-0720509) based in Portland, Oregon. The Community Information Center focuses on community research, information and health education. Community Information Center works on both domestic and international levels. The CIC provides fiscal sponsorship as a financial "umbrella" for the Imani Project and two other organizations working to impact the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

The American Imani Project Board of Directors

Marlene Anderson, MA, MSW is the President of the Board and Co-founder of the Imani Project. She has worked for the past six summers teaching HIV/AIDS awareness, education, and prevention in the rural villages on the coast of Kenya. Marlene has a Masters Degree in Teaching Biology, and a Masters Degree in Social Work. Currently she works as a School Counselor in Lake Oswego School District, Lake Oswego, Oregon. Marlene also has a small Private Practice.

Virginia Scott is the Secretary of the Board. She is the clinical manager of the Partnership Project, a program affiliated with OHSU and serving AIDS patients. Virginia has a Masters degree in Social Work, and is a community leader, and AIDS activist.

Jack Cox is an HIV/AIDS activist, a community leader and organizer. He presents and participates in workshops and seminars addressing HIV/AIDS issues in the Pacific Northwest. Jack also is a change agent, and provides creative inspiration and expertise on HIV/AIDS to organizations focusing on HIV/AIDS on both domestic and international levels.

Branda Tiffany is the Vice-President of the Board. She is an alternative healthcare practitioner and AIDS activist. Branda is specifically interested in children orphaned by HIV/AIDS, and has participated in many events dealing with these issues.

Jan Low, M.S is a gerontologist and grant writer. She is a philanthropist, social worker, and an advocate for all people, especially children. She and Antonio, her beautiful son from Guatemala, live in Seattle Washington. Jan has worked extensively with Marlene, giving her feedback and advice on important issues, as well as offering her unconditional support for the Imani Project.

Earline Anderson, Ph.D., MPH is in Private Practice in Seattle Washington. She has served as consultant for the Imani Project in the Seattle area. She holds a Doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology and a Masters is Public Health with a specialization in Maternal and Child Health. Earline has two adopted children from Honduras, and is active in promoting cross-cultural understanding.

Mark Smith is a naturalist and ornithologist and an expert in African flora and fauna. He is also a philanthropist, and has worked worldwide for the past twenty-seven years to promote ecological conservation and sustainable agriculture practices. Mark's expertise and knowledge about Kenya have proved invaluable in the design and implementation of the Imani Project. Visit the Mark Smith Nature Tours website.

The Kenyan Imani Project

The Kenyan Imani Project is a CBO (Community Based Organization) registered with the Ministry of Gender, Sports, Culture and Social Services in Nairobi, Kenya. The registration number is SS/MLD/CD/2/3328/2004.

The Imani Project Office is located in Masheheni, Kenya, and the address is P.O. Box 617, Malindi, Kenya. The Imani Project office in Masheheni village was "officially" opened on July 23rd, 2005. Over 300 villagers attended the ceremony or "Barasa". There was much excitement in the air as dancers and drummers performed for the audience. Marlene was given a head dress and traditional Giriama garb to wear to officiate the ceremony. The Chief of Masheheni spoke, as did the Ministry of Health Officer for the region.

The Kenyan Imani Project Board is made up of African villagers. The Chairperson is Francis Kahindi Mwaduna; the Vice Chairman is Rodgers Kazunga Karabu, the Secretary is Joseph Nzai and the Treasurer is James Kazungu. The Board has monthly meetings, and must send a report each month to the Kenyan Department of Social Services monitoring progress toward stated goals.

In the group of villages served by the Imani Project, there are approximately 40 African villagers volunteering their time and resources.