Kerra Jayne

Hey y'all! I'm Kerra Jayne. I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, with a deep love for sweet tea and serving others—whether through southern hospitality, charming humor, or really good hugs. From a young age, I dreamed of moving overseas to serve others. After graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in social work, I took a leap toward my God-sized dream and moved to West Africa in 2021. Immersing myself in the culture and connecting with the local church has been a transformative journey, and I was honored to receive the Zarma name "Salima." In Zarma culture, names hold deep significance, and "Salima" symbolizes peace and safety—values that are central to our mission.

Project Salima was born out of my passion for supporting children and families in need. I believe that when you love a child well, the entire family flourishes. Our goal is to empower these young, vulnerable individuals by providing them with essential resources and opportunities to thrive through education and nutrition.

I'm so grateful you're here and willing to be a part of Project Salima's network. God bless you!

Zeinabou is the Chief Operating Officer for Project Salima and the team's resident cheerleader. Having grown up in Niger, she brings a deep understanding of local dynamics and is well-connected within the community. Zeinabou grew up in a Muslim family but met Jesus in 2012 and was baptized in 2019. She and her mother both serve in the local church. Known for her infectious laughter and encouragement, Zeinabou has a heart as expansive as Africa itself. Intelligent, humble, and dedicated to serving others, she is the perfect COO. One of my favorite things about Zeinabou is that she often has “bon bon” (candy) in her purse, ready to bless children at a moment's notice.