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Caribbean Legacy: Building Futures Through Art and Education
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From a small federation in the Eastern Caribbean comes a powerful story of four professionals determined to give back to their homeland. Michele Rannie joins us to share the inspiring journey of the La Amiga O'Ali Arts Foundation (LOAF), an organization building bridges between cultural celebration and educational opportunity.
Founded by four St. Kitts and Nevis natives who migrated to New York, LOAF's mission transcends simple philanthropy. The name itself—combining indigenous terms for the islands—creates an acronym that perfectly captures their purpose: to nourish both Caribbean culture abroad and educational opportunities at home. As Michele explains, their approach centers on selecting promising students who face financial barriers, providing them with comprehensive support through private high school education.
What makes LOAF remarkable is their holistic vision. Beyond simply paying tuition, they're creating a support system that includes mentorship, resources, and ongoing encouragement. The foundation represents a beautiful cycle of opportunity, as all four directors benefited from private education in their youth and now work to extend those same advantages to a new generation.
Our conversation reveals how deeply personal this work is for Michele and her co-directors. When she speaks about legacy—asking "what will you be remembered for?"—we understand that LOAF embodies their answer to this profound question. They're building something that extends far beyond their own achievements, creating pathways for Caribbean youth to realize their full potential.
The foundation is hosting a panel discussion on April 17th in New York City exploring Caribbean migration experiences while raising funds for their educational initiatives. If their passion inspires you as it did me, visit www.loafskn.org to learn how you can support their vision of creating educational opportunities while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Chapters
1. Introduction to Michelle Wani (00:00:00)
2. Origins of LOAF Foundation (00:01:22)
3. The Meaning Behind the Name (00:05:30)
4. LOAF's Activities and Fundraising (00:09:40)
5. Upcoming Panel on Migration Experience (00:14:40)
6. Celebrating Caribbean Excellence (00:19:56)
7. Scholarship Program and Selection Criteria (00:24:30)
8. Building Legacy Through Education (00:29:53)
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