Where It All Began

Opening Greeting & Introduction

Hey ROOTS family! I'm Jumobi — founder of ROOTS Organization, an aspiring doctor 🩺, lover of culture, community, and a passionate believer in the power of young people to shape the world. I'm so excited to welcome you to the first episode of the ROOTS Blog!

ROOTS Organization is a youth-led platform bridging cultures and empowering global communities through education, health, and leadership. We envision a world where every young person—regardless of background—can access opportunity, celebrate their identity, and lead transformative change in their communities and beyond.

This space will be part story, part resource, part celebration — a place where I'll share the journey of ROOTS, spotlight the impact we're making, and give you a behind-the-scenes look into what it means to empower, connect, and transform through community. Ready? Let's dive in!

The Why: What Inspired ROOTS?

As an immigrant youth, I've lived at the crossroads of two worlds — carrying the traditions of my roots while adapting to the rhythms of a new home. I wanted to create something that would bridge gaps, uplift voices, and build systems of care where they didn't exist.

ROOTS was born from that urgency — a vision to create a home for immigrant and underserved youth where culture, health, education, and leadership weren't just words, but lifelines.

The Heart of the Movement: What ROOTS Stands For

ROOTS stands for more than just programs — it's a movement built on four pillars:

• Education: Because every young person deserves access and opportunity.
• Culture: Because our stories, languages, and dances keep us rooted.
• Health: Because well-being is a human right.
• Leadership: Because the world needs voices like ours at the table.

Together, these pillars form the heartbeat of ROOTS. They are the threads that hold our vision together and power everything we do.

From Idea to Action: How We Started

ROOTS started as a club with a simple mission: to create space for immigrant youth/students to feel seen. I gathered a few friends, shared my vision, and we began hosting summer classes for kids in the US and in Africa, language sessions and small cultural meetups.

Our first event? Free Summer Classes for Kids in Africa where we teach Math, English and Science. Today, we're offering CPR training, College Readiness, Support For Immigrant Youth & Families, Wellness Awareness/ Guides, Outreach Drive, Volunteering, Community Service, and even Tech Classes for elders.

The journey hasn't been easy — we faced doubts, funding hurdles, and burnout — but the growth has been beautiful. ROOTS is more than a nonprofit — it's a movement.

ROOTS in Motion: What We're Doing Now

Right now, ROOTS is buzzing with impact:

• Our Summer Language Course (US) teaches Yoruba and Igbo language & culture, blending culture with connection
• Summer Classes for kids in Africa – Math, English and Science
• The Healthy Roots Initiative offers wellness guides and health workshops in rural areas in Nigeria-Africa
• Outreach Drive dedicated to giving back—providing essential support to our community, especially those experiencing homelessness

One moment I'll never forget? After a language and culture class, a young girl looked up and said, "I've never felt so proud to be African." That's the ROOTS effect—restoring pride, sparking connection. That's exactly why we do what we do.

Looking Ahead: What's Next for ROOTS?

We've got big things ahead:

• More health kits and wellness guide for rural communities in Africa
• Health literacy and advocacy project
• A College Prep Corner on the blog
• ROOTS Talks — our new speaker series featuring youth voices

Want to be part of it? Volunteer, share our posts, or just send encouragement. You're part of the journey now.

Final Words from Jumobi

Thank you for reading our very first blog post. ROOTS is a seed, and you — by being here — help it grow. I believe in the power of young people, of stories, and of healing through community.

Until next time, remember: Stay rooted. Stay rising.