I wanted to create a story that encourages children to believe in their own abilities and highlights the importance of working together.”

-- Mary Ann Domanska

After volunteering in rural Kenya, West Mt. Airy resident and longtime Springside Chestnut Hill Academy teacher Mary Ann Domanska has transformed her experience into a children's book celebrating courage, friendship and music.

Domanska's newly published work, "Nge and the Magical Drums: Bringing Rain to the Village," released April 5, features illustrations by Kenyan Maasai artist George Amadeus. Domanska will appear at a book signing Saturday, April 19, at 1:30 p.m. at booked, 8411 Germantown Ave.

The book tells the story of an orphan named Nge who discovers his drumming talent can summon rain to help his drought-stricken village. With animal friends — Tembo the elephant, Asani the lion and monkeys Kali and Kofi — Nge uses his gifts to bring water to his community.

"I wanted to create a story that encourages children to believe in their own abilities and highlights the importance of working together," Domanska said. "Through Nge's journey, young readers can see the magic that happens when we share our gifts with the world."

Kenya experience

Domanska, who has taught at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy for 22 years, primarily with second-grade girls, spent two weeks last year in a rural Kenyan village called Lemong'o, located six hours west of Nairobi. She volunteered at the local Belgrove Primary School.

"It was very rural with no running water or electricity," she said. "To go into town for food and supplies, you had to get a 'picky-picky,' which is like an Uber but on the back of a rented motorcycle. The roads were mostly impassable by car. It always felt like a harrowing journey."

The stark contrast between American and Kenyan school resources left a profound impression.

"I saw the utter need for just the basic necessities such as pencils, erasers and paper that our students here have in such abundance," she said. "The difference is hard to comprehend or explain."

Despite challenging conditions, Domanska emphasized the warmth she encountered. "The people are wonderful. The joyful welcoming I received through their native Maasai tribe song and dance, I will never forget. Or the 'mamas' and their generous spirits. Or the students who were engaged, resilient and respectful."

Continuing connection

Domanska's Kenya journey began when she met Carolyn Tague, Springside Class of 1980 and founder of The Lemong'o Project. Established as a nonprofit in 2011, the organization works to empower the Maasai people through improved nutrition, education and health support.

"Carolyn's speech, upon accepting this recognition from her alma mater, was thoroughly inspiring to me," Domanska said, "and I was immediately intrigued by the idea of connecting with her and learning more about this program."

Domanska continues supporting the community through fundraising efforts. "I am currently joining in an effort called Funding for Footwear for the children there. Just $3 to $5 provides a new pair of shoes to a student at the elementary school," she said. 

A West Mt. Airy resident for 26 years, Domanska was born in Miami but raised in North Carolina. She earned a BFA in performing arts with a minor in creative writing from Emerson College in 1994 and a master's in elementary education from Chestnut Hill College in 2003.

Her previous works include the novel "Emic Rizzle, Tinkerer," inspired by a drawing from her daughter Clara, and a poetry collection titled "Unraveled," published by Moonstone Arts Center.

Before teaching, Domanska served as interim director for the "Girl Scouting Behind Bars" program and worked as a script reader for MGM Studios in California.

"Nge and the Magical Drums" will be available at local bookstores and online through Barnes & Noble.

When not writing or teaching, Domanska enjoys theater productions at Stagecrafters, quilting, painting, riding her red Stella scooter and camping with her dog, Penny. She and her husband Andrew, who owns The Little Gallery at 8622 Germantown Ave., have called West Mt. Airy home for over two decades.

"I love West Mt. Airy," she said, "for its incredible blend of diversity, history and community spirit. It's a place where neighbors know each other, the Wissahickon Woods can be accessed from your backdoor, and there's a shared commitment to inclusion, creativity and civic engagement."

For more information, visit maryanndomanska.com. For information about the Lemong’o Project, contact thelemongoproject.org. Len Lear can be reached at lenlear@chestnuthilllocal.com