WORKING -- Evelyn Komuntale

SHE IS:

Bringing Africa to you.

STARTING OUT THE HARD WAY

Corona del Mar resident Evelyn Komuntale is a busy woman. Running her

business out of an office near John Wayne Airport, Komuntale has created

for herself a profession that combines her heritage with her humanity.

Raised in the Republic of Congo, Komuntale found herself an orphan after

she fled her African homeland without her family when she was 5. Her

father had died during that time and her mother wasn’t allowed to join

her daughter.

Komuntale had come to the United States in 1978 for a visit but didn’t

leave. The Kenyan tourism office recruited her and she stayed in Los

Angeles.

LOOKING AT THE BEAUTIFUL

Today, she has a three-pronged business that highlights a mix of African

features. If she isn’t arranging a safari, she’s working to help starving

children. When she isn’t capturing the attention of children through her

stories, well, hopefully she’s getting some rest.

“When people think of Africa the first thing that comes to their mind are

jungles and animals,” she said. “Through my work, I want to show the many

parts of Africa. People tend to see the dark side, but there is a

beautiful side of the country as well.”

STORIES AND SAFARIS

Komuntale likes to spend most of her time teaching children about African

culture. She visits schools and leads “educational safaris.” Through

pictures, maps and stories, children are given an opportunity to see a

world they probably wouldn’t know intimately.

“When I was growing up, my village learned about the United States,” she

said. “I tend to find many American kids don’t know anything about

Africa.

“Children need to be exposed to the outside world so their vision and

horizons can be expanded and broadened.”

Besides the folk-based stories she tells, Komuntale also teaches the

native Swahili language along with music and dance.

TRIPS AND TRAVELING

She also coordinates safari trips to Africa. Excursions to popular game

parks, tribal villages and beaches are some of the destinations travelers

visit. Last year, several tourists were killed by rebels on an expedition

in Uganda that severely damaged tourism. However, Komuntale said the

government has taken appropriate steps to ensure safety for visitors.

“I had clients booked to go to the same area where the tourists were

killed last year,” she said. “We canceled all bookings but everything has

returned to normal. It was an isolated incident.”

LENDING A HELPING HAND

Komuntale hasn’t forgotten her roots since she emigrated to the United

States. She still visits Africa once a year, sometimes for months, to see

how her country is evolving.

Probably the most rewarding aspect of her job is the ministry she created

last year. About 80 children who have lost their parents to war and

disease are sponsored by her ministry and more are expected.

“My heart is really with the kids,” she said. “I wanted to help children

and make a difference in their future. I love seeing the smiles on their

faces.”

-- Greg Risling