Since 1986 Ile Omode has provided the highest quality African-centered education in the area. This has never been possible without the support of individuals and families who support our mission and our vision. We're seeking your support during our "Friends of Ile Omode" fundraising campaign, and we're asking you to make a one-time donation to our school that will hopefully become an annual donation. The donation can be of any amount, although there are special gifts for amounts greater than $100 and $500. Our goal is to attract 500 friends during this campaign, so we encourage your contribution and encourage you to refer your friends and family to our site as well. [Back to Home Page]

Ile Omode's middle school students left Oakland for a college and historic tour in Atlanta, Tuskegee and Birmingham. After spending months raising money and studying Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the writings of Booker T. Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the long awaited trip to the south couldn't come soon enough. Their previous years' trip to Washington, DC only heightened the anticipation [see the DC trip's website].

The student's schedule, beginning with a red eye flight on Sunday evening, April 18, would have challenged President Barack Obama's scheduling secretary. Upon arrival the students had their first "southern" meal at Gladys Knight and Ron Winans Chicken and Waffles (where they met Tommy Ford of "Martin" fame), and their last meal at Straits, Ludacris' Atlanta restaurant, where they were treated with great affection by Ludacris' mom.

In between the restaurants they visited Spelman College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, and Tuskegee University; among historic sites, the visits to Dr. King's Center, the Tuskegee Airmen Museum, Dr. George Washington Carvers Museum, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Museum were inspiring. The students had a chance to unwind and enjoy some of Atlanta's entertainment, including the Coca-Cola complex, a great Atlanta Braves game, shopping at the Underground, roller skating at Cascades, and a local dance production hosted by the Salvation Army courtesty of a Wo'se member now living in Atlanta. [read the full article]

Bakare Awakoaiye, an 8th grade student at Ile Omode, completed a 4 unit course in Algebra 2 at Laney College in Oakland this year.

Bakare has attended Ile Omode since entering kindergarten in 2001 and has shown a strength in all subjects. In 2003, our school instituted the "Math Revolution" program, and over 40% of our students were placed a grade ahead in math. Some students were advanced a 2nd time, and have shined tremendously. According to the school's director, Jahi Awakoaiye, "over 80% of our students are now a grade ahead in math".

Bakare was advanced a second time in the 4th grade, and completed Pre-Algebra in 5th grade, Algebra in the 6th, and Geometry in the 7th grade. By the 8th grade he was ready for Algebra 2 and sought the challenge of a college course. Bakare knew he was ready. [read the full article]