Help Ainka Fulani Shape Young Minds

I am setting up this Go Fund me for this amazing Mamma, human, friend I know, Ainka Fulani. She is one of the most kindest people I know. As a single Mamma herself she has been so supportive of me and my boys. Looking out for us in so many ways, many times without our knowledge. Not only has Ainka been there for me but other single women and women in general. Ainka is looking to further her education and get her Master's. After many obstacles and barriers she was accepted to Mills. Now she is struggling with yet another barrier. Money. Here is a little bit about Ainka in her own words:

"Despite teaching at Mills College (now at Northeastern) since January 2019, starting out as faculty, with a full semester class, and having to give grades, etc., teaching online during Shelter-in-Place, then hybrid and continuing throughout the merger, although with change in status to temporary staff, I accrued none of the benefits I thought I would that would lead to tuition remission, reduction or reimbursement as I and others thought that I would, after 5+ years of service.

I am a self-employed single parent and now is the best time for me to pursue The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education with Early Childhood Special Education Preliminary Teaching Credential at Mills - and I am thrilled to share that I've been accepted! The need for increased diversity in the field is evident. As a long-time resident of Oakland and as a Black mother it is clear to me that there is opportunity to make a positive impact, especially in Special Education where Kids of color are so often over diagnosed and/or underserved.

And in order to make this happen I need support to cover tuition and Childcare (yes, I always capitalize Kid, Children, etc. it's my small way of demonstrating my love and respect for them as people...) So that is why I humbly created this GoFundMe. Thanks in advance for your consideration.

In January of 2019 I began teaching Pilates Mat classes at Mills College. It was after an extended maternity leave to care for my Miracle Rainbow Baby. I quickly felt at home teaching students and classes for faculty and staff, through the Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation Department (APER) that also included yoga and Introduction to Meditation.

It was soon after that I began thinking of pursuing graduate study at the School of Education. The more I learned the more I realized that the philosophy and approach deeply resonates with me. I'd been fortunate enough to find sitters who were students in the department, learned about The Children's School and was very impressed and encouraged about the future. I minored in Education at Cal and watched my Mama co-found a school in Harlem, NYC (where I am from.) I have a consistent history working in and around education and planned to expand my work at Mills College to help support pursuit of a graduate degree in education.

Then came the Global Pandemic, the merger with Northeastern and the programs were temporarily shut down. I've spent the last two years VERY happily involved as a parent at The Children's School, through volunteering, including but not limited to reading with students in the K/1 classroom. My Child has been a student here for three years and we plan to stay though 5th grade and proudly graduate from here. This community is very special and very important to us both."

Please consider donating what you can. I know times are tough for everyone, but having Ainka in our community working with our most vulnerable and underseved youth is an incredible asset.