Kechie's Project at Harlem's Bread and Roses High School

Dec. 4, 2012 - PRLog -- Harlem, New York. As part of Kechie's Project's continuing efforts founder Nkechi Ogbodo and professional model and children's right spokesperson Nnenna Agba visited Bread and Roses High School in Harlem, New York where the non profit organization provides mentoring for young  African girls. Kechie's Project focuses on helping young women both in Nigeria and in the United States by providing educational support to promote a better community worldwide.

With the assistance of Ms. Emma Thomas, the SAPIS Counselor of Bread and Roses School, Kechie's Project is providing mentoring and cultural workshops visiting the school on a monthly basis. The sponsored group of students are immigrants from African countries and  Caribbean  countries as well. The students are involved in dialogue workshops to promote a better cultural understanding of the their world. Also Kechie's Project has provided additional learning materials, clothing and Holiday gift cards for students in the group.  

Kechie' Project spokesperson Nenna Agba relates,

"Today I spent my afternoon at Bread and Roses High School in Harlem with Kechie's Project. I had the opportunity to mingle with young girls who are dealing with the barriers and culture shock of transitioning from Africa to America to pursue an education. I saw so much of my young self in them. I reminisced about my first day on the school bus at 14 years old with my sister who was 15 at the time, along side my 12 year old cousin who had to deal with the embarrassment of being related to the 2 new "African" girls that looked liked skeletons and smiled and stared timidly at everyone. I was vividly reminded of how far I have come; I am thoroughly grateful!"

About Kechie's Project:

Kechie’s Project is a non-profit organization committed to empowering girls to become future leaders. We provide academic and social support to girls in underserved communities in America and Africa.

Educating women is key to achieving prosperity in any society. To promote a better community here in United States and a better Africa, Kechie's Project is dedicated to providing educational opportunities to girls. Empower a girl with knowledge, she will help her family and her community.

We aim to fund each student’s high school tuition and personal costs. Many students come from improvised backgrounds where personal needs such as food, water and school supplies keep them out of the classroom.  Kechie’s Project will cover school-related costs that a family cannot afford to ensure that each girl can attend school regularly.  Upon graduating from high school there will be an opportunity to receive a vocational college or university scholarship.

Founder Ms. Ogbodo:

As a Nigerian American, Nkechi Ogbodo is committed to empowering girls of color in Africa and America. She believes in providing girls in Africa access to education and exposing to girls in America to the rich cultural history of Africa.

Nkechi earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Lehman College CUNY and a Master of Arts in International Relations from City College of the City University of New York (CUNY). Nkechi’s unique opportunity of leaving Nigeria to study in the United States, inspired her to give back to her “motherland” of Africa and her newly adopted country.

Advisory Board Member Nnena Agba:

Born in Houston and raised in Nigeria, this Black Beauty was the most beloved Finalist on the hit TV show “America’s Next Top Model”. Having captivated her viewing audience, she was voted “Cover Girl of the Week” numerous times by her fans as well as their favorite to win each week until she left the show. Her unique face and style transitions flawlessly from high fashion to commercial shoots and  Nnenna commands the attention of both national and international markets worldwide.

She is also a spokesmodel for MiaDonna Diamond Hybrid, a company that promotes and provides alternatives to Blood Diamonds and conflict Diamonds. While gracing the runways of Paris, London, and New York, Nnenna has worked for designers such as Chloe, Dolce & Gabbana, Micheal Kors, and many others. Ms. Agba is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry.

This former Chemist is doing her part to give back to the community and make a difference in the world. She is one of the celebrity spokespersons and the face of Kechie’s Project, a nonprofit organization that focuses on self-improvement, empowerment, and education of young women in Africa. As a former contestant on America’s Next Top Model, Nnenna is already a household name and has attracted and continues to attract fans from all walks of life. With an awesome charisma that engages those who encounter her she proudly serves as a positive role model for all young girls and women of African origin and her home country of Nigeria.

For further information on Kechie’s Project, event sponsorship, public appearances,, or donations, please contact Frank Swinand at frank.swinand@kechiesproject.org, or log onto www.kechiesproject.org.