harambee
hah-rah-MBEH-eh
How to say it
Swahiliharambeehah-rah-MBEH-eh
Englishfundraising drive; pulling together
Frenchcollecte de fonds; effort collectif
Meaning
A gathering where people give money together for a shared cause, such as a school, a church or a sick person; originally the call to pull together.
Good to know
N class noun, the same in singular and plural; a Kenyan word also used in Tanzania. Kuitisha harambee, to call a fundraiser. Harambee Stars is Kenya’s national football team.
Examples
- Kijiji kiliandaa harambee ya kujenga darasa.The village organized a fundraiser to build a classroom.
- Wabunge walichangia katika harambee ya kanisa.The MPs contributed at the church fundraiser.
- Harambee hiyo ilikusanya shilingi milioni tano.That fundraising drive collected five million shillings.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.