Onome Ako

My name is Kikelomo and I am cherished!

It’s Kikelomo’s first day of school and she is excited! But when it’s time to share in her classroom circle, Kikelomo is surprised and saddened when other children make fun of her name. When Kikelomo comes home that night, her mother and father remind her how carefully they chose her name and that it means “a child who is cherished” in Yoruba, the language of her mother’s family. It prompts her to think about all the times she feels cherished and who she is, held inside her loving family. When Kikelomo returns to school the next day, she can’t wait to share why calling her by her name is important, and how everyone can pronounce it if they try. With this simple act, her classmates — and teacher! — are all inspired to learn and share the stories of their names too.

One of the Most Canadian Anticipated Books for 2024. - Indigo

About the Author

With more than 15 years of experience in international development, Onome has led initiatives engaging and collaborating with communities in over 15 countries. From her time at the health development organization Amref Health Africa to her work with the relief and development organization World Vision, she has been deeply invested in driving change. Today, Onome sits at the helm of Action Against Hunger Canada.

Stepping into her role in 2021 amidst COVID-19, the need for Onome’s leadership was even greater as the pandemic exacerbated local and global hunger. While she didn’t initially view herself as an entrepreneur, she now recognizes that steering her organization through crises demands the very qualities that define entrepreneurial leadership.

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