A Signature Integration Experience by AYA Forward
AYA Harambe
Gather with Purpose. Connect with Intention.
Move Forward Together.
A customized, multi-day experience that helps families, communities, teams and organizations strengthen relationships, put shared purpose into practice and create commitments that continue beyond the gathering.
What Harambe Means
"All pull together" — a philosophy, not just an event.
Harambe is a Swahili expression commonly understood as "all pull together" or "let us pull together." It represents the belief at the center of AYA Forward: meaningful and sustainable progress is created when people come together with shared purpose, mutual responsibility and a commitment to continue.
An event brings people into the same place. AYA Harambe helps people understand why they have gathered, what they can build together and how the connection will continue after they leave.
AYA Harambe combines intentional circles, facilitated learning, collective service, shared meals and meaningful changes of scenery within one professionally designed experience. It can complete an AYA Forward engagement or stand alone as a customized relationship- and community-building offering.
Who It Serves
Designed for anyone who shares purpose and responsibility.
Families & Intergenerational Groups
Strengthen connection, honor story and build sustainable ways of remaining connected.
Communities & Nonprofit Organizations
Renew belonging, shared purpose, participation and collective contribution.
Leadership Teams
Put communication, trust, culture and accountability into shared practice.
Educational & Service Organizations
Support mission renewal, transition and relationship-centered improvement.
AYA Pathway Participants
Integrate learning and establish what comes next after Lead, Family or Legacy Forward.
Standalone Clients
Begin with discovery and receive an experience designed from stated needs and desired outcomes.
The Five Commitments
Every Harambe carries the same five commitments.
Honor
Recognize the histories, identities, contributions and experiences that brought the group to this moment.
Gather
Create an environment where participants feel welcomed, valued and fully present.
Connect
Strengthen relationships through circles, learning, reflection, meals and fellowship.
Serve
Put shared values into action through a collective Shared-Purpose Project.
Continue
Establish commitments and sustainable practices that extend beyond the gathering.
What Every Harambe Includes
Six signature components, every time.
Intentional Circles
Facilitated conversations designed around the group's needs, goals and experiences.
Customized Workshops
Interactive learning developed from client intake or connected AYA pathway work.
Shared-Purpose Project
A meaningful opportunity to contribute, create or serve together.
The Harambe Table
A signature meal for breaking bread, reflection, recognition and belonging.
Change of Scenery
Purposefully selected activities and places supporting discovery, leisure and connection.
Forward Commitments
A structured process for identifying practices and responsibilities carried beyond the experience.
AYA Forward Connection
A signature experience across every pathway.
Integrate • Practice • Celebrate • Continue
AYA Harambe can serve as an applied integration and continuation experience following AYA Lead Forward, AYA Family Forward or AYA Legacy Forward. Participants put learning into practice, deepen relationships, recognize progress and establish commitments for what comes next. Clients may also enter AYA Harambe directly through a discovery and intake process.
Designed Around You
A consistent core, a customized experience.
Always Included
Circles, learning, Shared-Purpose Project, Harambe Table, change of scenery and Forward Commitments.
Customized
Themes, duration, destination or local setting, accommodations, venues, meals, activities and participant groupings.
Experience Enhancements
Welcome elements, apparel, keepsakes, storytelling, cultural excursions, wellness, photography or intergenerational activities.
Professional Structure
Discovery, planning rhythm, budget responsibilities, communication schedule, itinerary, facilitation and continuation plan.
Tell Us What You're Bringing People Together to Build
Start a Discovery ConversationFlexible Formats
A model that fits your timeline.
The Harambe Gathering
2-3 days
The Harambe Journey
4-5 days
The Harambe Immersion
6-7 days
Harambe at Home
Local or regional
How It Works
Every Harambe begins with discovery.
Discover
Clarify participants, history, needs, readiness, intended outcomes, location preferences and boundaries.
Design
Build the integrated experience: circles, workshops, service, table, activities, schedule and continuation plan.
Prepare
Coordinate responsibilities, planning rhythm, communications, logistics, participant readiness and materials.
Gather
Facilitate the Harambe experience with professional structure, warmth and responsiveness.
Continue
Document commitments, establish follow-through and determine any post-Harambe support.
Built from a living practice of connection.
AYA Harambe grew from founder Ruschelle Reuben's experience intentionally designing and refining Harambe gatherings within her own family. Across multiple gatherings, the model expanded beyond travel and celebration to include structured planning, meaningful circles, shared service, remembrance, fellowship and practices for staying connected between experiences.
The public offering translates that lived experience — together with AYA Forward's professional foundation in leadership, education, family connection and community-centered practice — into a customizable experience for other families, communities and organizations.
Your people already carry stories, strengths and possibilities.
Let's create the space to honor them, strengthen connection and move forward together.