Rising Stars: Meet Narkie Nartey of Morrisville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Narkie Nartey

Hi Narkie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The Wakaboomee Program: A Journey from Storybook to Life-Changing Impact

In 2019, I embarked on a creative journey that would ultimately transform not just my life, but the lives of countless children across diverse communities. It all began with a simple idea—a children’s book about a mischievous character named Wakaboomee. Wakaboomee was green with spots, a playful figure who, though seemingly incorrigible, could be persuaded by the children around him to choose a better path. The message was clear: with a little guidance and a lot of curiosity, Wakaboomee could discover the joy of learning, unveiling new worlds filled with promise and opportunity.

When I first wrote the book, it was a delightful bedtime story for my daughter. She loved it, always asking me to read it again, laughing at the funny voices I would use to bring Wakaboomee to life. Her enthusiasm gave me the courage to share the story with others, so I took the book to a Title 1 after-school program, hoping it would resonate with those children as much as it had with my own.

The response was overwhelming. As I read the story to a room full of K-5 students, I watched their faces light up with the same curiosity and wonder that I had seen in my daughter’s eyes. Even the school’s principal was captivated, amazed by how deeply engaged the children were with the story. She asked me to return and read the book again, but I hesitated. I knew these children had minds far more brilliant than they were given credit for—sharp, creative thinkers who were more than just students; they were budding entrepreneurs, leaders, and visionaries. They craved education that would challenge them, stimulate their intellect, and help them thrive.

So, I returned to that After School Program and eventually of others in the local area, but not just with a storybook, but with every resource I could find to spark the imaginations of K-12 students and fuel their aspirations. I brought in experts like Wafa Khalil, a Solar Educator who opened their minds to sustainable living, and an organization like Slice 325 to teach them about growing their own food.
I soon gained the support of Trane Technologies, a company led by visionary leaders committed to creating a better world for future generations. They generously shared their curriculum to empower our young leaders, embodying a vision of a sustainable future that emphasizes uplifting and positively impacting people and society. Trane understand that the investments we make today can ensure that everyone not only dreams big but also has the opportunity to turn those dreams into reality in the years ahead. Before long, brilliant minds and genuine hearts came together as a board of advisors, all deeply committed to the growth and impact of The Wakaboomee Program, dedicated to driving meaningful change.

We brought in Coding, Robotics, Art, Music, Tae Kwon Do, Literacy Campaigns, Spanish, Chess, Yoga, Entrepreneurship and we even offered Mindfulness sessions with licensed therapists, providing free therapy and Movement Sessions every Wednesday to help K-12 students from all backgrounds manage their emotions and anxieties.

What started as a simple reading session evolved into a comprehensive program—The Wakaboomee Program—dedicated to providing STEAM, Wellness, and Entrepreneurship education to children who needed it most. The program grew from in-person sessions to virtual and hybrid models, expanding its reach not just across North Carolina, but even to communities as far as Africa and San Luis Potosi!

Through this journey, Wakaboomee has taught me a profound truth: education is a powerful force that brings people together. It reminds us of our passions, the things that sparked our curiosity as children, and it has the power to turn those childhood dreams into world-changing careers. Wakaboomee is no longer just a character in a storybook or a mascot in a suit—it’s a symbol of hope, a testament to the incredible impact we can have when we come together to support and uplift one another.

The Wakaboomee Program is about more than education; it’s about creating real, lasting change in our communities and our world. It’s about helping children see the possibilities within themselves and giving them the tools they need to build a brighter future for us all.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Sustaining a non-profit like The Wakaboomee Program is a journey filled with both immense rewards and significant challenges. Despite the outpouring of support from volunteers who are deeply passionate about our mission, securing the necessary funding to keep our programs alive and thriving remains an ongoing struggle.

Our efforts are driven by a vision to bring transformative education to under-resourced communities, providing children with the tools and opportunities to unlock their full potential. However, the reality of running a non-profit means constantly balancing the passion for our mission with the practical need for financial resources.

Every day, we strive to create impactful programs—whether it’s through STEAM education, wellness initiatives, or entrepreneurship training—but finding the financial backing to support these efforts is a challenge that never fades. Grants, donations, and sponsorships are the lifeblood of our work, yet they are often hard-won and inconsistent, making it difficult to plan long-term or expand our reach as far as we would like.

The joy of seeing a child’s face light up as they discover the wonders of robotics or the satisfaction of knowing that we’ve provided a safe space for a student to express their emotions and anxieties is what keeps us going. Yet, behind the scenes, there’s the constant pressure to ensure that we have the funding to continue offering these life-changing opportunities.

Our board of advisors, made up of brilliant minds and genuine hearts, are deeply committed to seeing The Wakaboomee Program grow and make a lasting impact. But even with their dedication and support, the financial challenges persist. We know that every dollar we raise has the potential to change a child’s life, to open doors that might otherwise remain closed.

The struggle for funding is a constant reminder of the importance of our work and the need to advocate for the value of education in all its forms. We continue to push forward, believing that every effort, every campaign, and every partnership brings us closer to a future where every child has the chance to dream big and achieve even bigger. The Wakaboomee Program is a testament to the power of community, education, and perseverance, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to creating positive, lasting change.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Narkie Nartey is the Founder of The Wakaboomee Program 501(c)3 a STEAM, Wellness & Entrepreneurship Non-Profit, Project Director with the GDBCC, past President of RTP Rotary Club, Member of the Town of Morrisville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Committee, Board Advisor for EdTech Unite and Mentor for GTI/SKEEMA Mentorship Program at NCSU. Narkie has a fiery passion for helping others, connecting community Leaders, managing various social media platforms and working strategically to create real change by closing the digital divide in underserved communities.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The Wakaboomee Program has been a profound teacher, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic, with all its uncertainties and disruptions, forced us to rethink how we deliver education and engage with our communities. Yet, it also revealed unexpected opportunities and new ways of making an impact.

During the pandemic, when in-person sessions were no longer feasible, we pivoted to virtual learning. This shift was not just a necessity; it became a revelation. Through virtual platforms, we discovered that our reach could extend far beyond our local community. We connected with individuals and organizations from different parts of the world, all aligned with our mission to empower children through education. Suddenly, geographical barriers were no longer a limitation. We were able to bring together diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources from around the globe, enriching our program in ways we had never imagined.

The Wakaboomee Program’s transition to virtual learning showed us the incredible potential of technology to bridge gaps and create a global community united by a shared commitment to education. We learned that even in the face of adversity, we could continue to fulfill our mission by adapting and embracing new methods of engagement. Virtual sessions allowed us to involve experts from various fields, bringing in knowledge and inspiration from across continents, and offering our students a more comprehensive and diverse learning experience.

Moreover, this period taught us the power of resilience and innovation. The challenges of the pandemic pushed us to think creatively about how to maintain the quality and impact of our programs. It was a time of learning for us, too—a time to understand the evolving needs of our students and how we could best support them in a rapidly changing world.

Through this journey, The Wakaboomee Program has not only continued to thrive but has also expanded its influence. We realized that the crisis was also an opportunity to strengthen our connections, forge new partnerships, and inspire a broader audience to join us in our mission. The experience has deepened our belief in the power of education to change lives and has reinforced our commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

In essence, the COVID-19 crisis has shown us that education is not confined by physical spaces. It is a boundless force that, when combined with determination and innovation, can reach across borders and bring people together, no matter the circumstances. The Wakaboomee Program is now more than ever, a testament to the enduring spirit of community, the importance of adaptability, and the limitless possibilities of global collaboration in education. #accessibilityISsustainability

Pricing:

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