The Kolanut is a digital library dedicated to preserving, honoring and celebrating the rich oral traditions and life experiences of African Elders.
The kola nut, a symbol of respect, togetherness, and hospitality, serves as the inspiration for our organization, which aims to create a bridge between generations by sharing the stories that have shaped our communities.
Our mission is to preserve, honor and celebrate the authentic reflections from a unique generation of African Elders and build generational bridges through the power of storytelling.
The Kolanut - a collection of authentic reflections from a unique generation of Africans.
Beyond its medicinal and economic value in Africa, the Kola Nut is a powerful cultural symbol intrinsically linked to the art of storytelling. The nut symbolizes respect, togetherness, and hospitality.
The Kolanut create a portal into our elders’ lives and psyches, helping us to understand who they were, who they are, and who they are becoming. Stories of triumph, struggle, change, and growth. These stories often begin with the sharing of the Kola Nut.
As we embark on this ambitious endeavor to "curate a digital library to house the stories of our African Elders," we aim to create "a monument that will testify of the dramatic moments of transformation and capture the extraordinary within the ordinary."
African Elders (principally the post war and boomer generations) do not have their stories documented in the same way as more recent generations. And yet, these generations are the true champions of change, resilience, and growth across Africa’s political, social, economic and cultural spheres.
As we navigate the challenges and aspirations of modern times, the stories of our elders serve as a guiding light, reminding us of the resilience, innovation, and unity that have sustained our communities through the ages. By embracing and learning from their experiences, we "contribute to building the Africa we want by embracing the Africa our elders experienced."
By harnessing the power of technology, we seek to ensure that these precious stories are not lost to the sands of time.
Together, we can build bridges between generations, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared heritage and the wisdom of our ancestors.
The Kolanut is more than just a digital library; it is a living, breathing testament to the enduring spirit of Africa and its people. We invite you to explore the captivating narratives within, to share your own stories, and to become part of a global community dedicated to honoring and preserving our cultural heritage.
Join us on this extraordinary journey, as we unlock the power of African storytelling and forge a brighter future, one story at a time. Welcome to The Kolanut, where the wisdom of the past meets the promise of tomorrow.