Swahili Word of the Month: Jamii

As part of our work in Kenya, I’ve been learning some Swahili — and I thought it would be fun to share a word each month that connects us more deeply to the people and culture we’re supporting together.

This month’s word is: jamii
It means: community
How to say it: jah–MEE

But jamii means more than just “a group of people.” In Swahili, it carries a deeper meaning — one that’s especially important in rural Kenyan culture.

In places like Patrick Wesonga’s village, jamii is everything. Families live close together, and neighbors look after one another. If someone is sick, or a child needs school supplies, or there’s a big event like a wedding or funeral, the jamiicomes together to help.

Even planting and harvesting are community efforts. That’s why our Seeds of Hope program doesn’t just feed one family — it helps an entire jamii grow stronger.

Patrick is part of a jamii that has supported him every step of the way. And through your generosity, you’ve become part of that jamii too.

Here’s how you might hear the word used:

• Jamii yangu inanisaidia sana. — My community helps me a lot.

• Tunahitaji kusaidia jamii yetu. — We need to help our community.

Thank you for being part of our jamii. You’re not just changing one life — you’re strengthening a whole community.

Asante sana (thank you very much),
Charlie