Ile Omode has been a beacon in our East Oakland neighborhood, but after years of nurturing minds and spirits inside our building, we decided it was time to feed the spirit of our community. In September, 2016 we launched a year-long effort to uplift and revitalize our immediate neighborhood, and to show the power of people committed to their own self-empowerment and revitalization.
October Community Clean-up
Ile Omode students took to the streets and seized responsibility for cleaning up our neighborhood. Equipment, including brooms, rakes, and gloves were provided by the City of Oakland's Public Works department, and they were soon joined by Councilman Larry Reid and workers from the City of Oakland.
Townhall Meeting
Notes and pictures from the Townhall Meeting will be shared soon after the meeting on Saturday, November 12.We have received either funding or have received a written approval for funding from the foundations and companies listed below. This project's success is not possible without generous contributions and commitments from our funding partners.
- California Endowment
- California Wellness Foundation
- COUPA Software in San Mateo
Our goal is revitalize and renew our neighborhood. We want children, parents, and members of our community to have a neighborhood that is inspiring and celebrates the promise of what each of us has to offer. Our specific goals for our school include:
- Replace a cyclone fence and install crash prevention posts
- Replace a wooden fence with a concrete base wooden fence with carved seating
- Provide outdoor seating on the playground
- Install water fountains on the playground
- Install water recycling stations in the hallways
- Add greenery to the school's grounds
- Install a video monitoring system to identify and report those who are dumping on the block
- Contract with local artists to develop a series of inspiration murals
- Create a raised deck for drumming and an outdoor classroom
- Provide recycling bins both inside and outside
- Develop a plan for moving towards providing solar power
We can't fulfill this vision without marshalling all of our resources. Along with dedicated parents, staff, and yes, even students, we also have the full support of Wo'se Community members. Other partners include:
- City of Oakland Public Works
- Neighborhood Association
- Councilman Larry Reid
- East Oakland Police Station
- First Morning Start Baptist Church
We expect to replace our aging fence to add beauty, greater functionality, and increase safety for our children. We hope to work to install murals along Holly Street between 90th and 89th with a specific installation along our fence. We received a grant for $50K to install our current playstructure, and we want to extend the play opportunities for our children within the playground. It is important that we also add shading in our yard, and provide fresh drinking water for children on the playground. To see more, check later for a posting of the architectural plan, which should be coming soon.