"We owe it to ourselves and to the next generation to conserve the environment so that we can bequeath our children a sustainable world that benefits all."
Wangari Maathai
Who we serve
Our programs and activities are primarily open to children and young adults from immigrant and refugee families and communities in Georgia. However, our doors are open to any child regardless of their social background. We mainly operate in Clarkston but also prioritize any Georgia city where refugee communities are resettled.
Our story
When our founder, Patrick Kasele, moved to the US in 2017, he was in charge of the Youth Department at Good Samaritan Church in Stone Mountain, GA, a place of worship for many refugees and immigrants from Africa and Asia. During the summer of 2018, Patrick decided to organize a nature field trip to the Atlanta zoo with 15 kids and their parents. It was their first time ever going to the zoo for those kids and parents. They were so happy and amazed by the animals and learned so much about them.
Our approach
We believe that kids are meant to go outdoors where nature thrives. We create opportunities and design outdoor programs that allow kids to play in Nature and learn from Nature. We aim to help refugee and immigrant children build relationships with Mother Earth and start a journey of environmental stewardship in their lives.
Patrick Kasele
FOUNDER / CEO
Patrick is the Founder and current Executive Director of the Twende Porini Foundation, Inc. since January 2022. Minimalist and environmental educator, Patrick developed his passion for nature education in 2012 when he was pursuing his master’s degree in Tropical Forest Management in the Democratic Republic of Congo (his homeland).
Patrick developed the National Program of Climate Change and Nature Education for public schools in DR Congo while working for the Congolese Ministry of Environment And Sustainability.
Gail Webb
BOARD MEMBER
In 2012 Gail Webb became President and CEO of Break-Thru Solutions (BTS) Janitorial Supply, a company that provides maintenance supplies and equipment to government agencies and the private sector.
Ms. Webb held numerous management positions in banking, manufacturing, and the railroad. A Chicago native, she is a graduate of Southern Illinois University, where she majored in Communications and Journalism. Gail is the mother of two sons, Carl and Aaron.
Pamela Nabani
ACCOUNTANT / BOARD MEMBER
Pamela Nabami has spent the previous four years performing the accounting duties required in corporate businesses in Washington, DC, and more recently, non-profit organizations in Atlanta, GA.
She is a detail-oriented and devoted professional. Accounts payable, invoicing and paying, processing journal entries and reports, quarterly and annual closings, and trial balance reconciliation are the main areas of concentration for Pamela's work. She oversees and clarifies the management of financial reporting, such as the Profit and Loss statement.
Miyuki Maruping
BOARD MEMBER
Miyuki Maruping is the Gardening teacher at The Waldorf School of Atlanta. She moved to the United States from Japan as a young adult. Through her experience in the Fair Trade industry, she has visited various community development efforts around the world and connected with grassroots activities.
As Miyuki continues to grow as an educator, Biodynamic gardener, and beekeeper, she puts her passion into community building by creating a sanctuary for all brings.
Danielle Bunch
BOARD MEMBER
Danielle Bunch is an environmental educator dedicated to social and environmental advocacy, designing for belonging, and salamanders.
She currently serves as the Senior Conservationist at Clayton County Water Authority. Her work includes managing Newman Wetlands Center, where she's dedicated the past seven+ years to creating a welcoming, accessible space for community members to engage with the natural world. Danielle is also passionate about Doberman rescue, equity in the workplace, and dismantling the patriarchy.
Mike Marotta
BOARD MEMBER
After working 30 years consulting with large companies, Mike began simply serving the community. He has since worked, volunteered, or continues volunteering with the refugee community and various ministries.
Mike's serving experience includes managing refugee youth programs, mentoring refugee and foster teens, leading his church's community outreach ministry, and working with a church benevolence ministry. Additionally, Mike's love for the outdoors and nature makes serving on this board a natural extension of his heart for Twende Porini's work.
WE’RE CREATIVE
Our team is filled with creative people. We enjoy creating things out of nature and learning from nature.
WE’RE PASSIONATE
Our people are passionate about nature and teaching children to love and appreaciate nature.
WE’RE ENERGETIC
Our work and our mission fuel our souls! Our people are energized to work and teach about nature and the "wild".
