While in Kisumu, Elmore met students at ARYA Primary School. He introduced a song he had written about one of Kenya's founding fathers, Tom Mboya, and even performed a dance. The students were fascinated to learn about Elmore's achievements as a five-time world kickboxing champion. During his visit, Elmore suggested that the students write letters, which he would take back to Memphis to establish a pen pal program. The school was so impressed that they asked if they could name their school after Elmore. Instead, Elmore requested they name the school after Memphis Congressman Steve Cohen, symbolizing a bridge between cultures.

Back in Memphis, Elmore brought the letters to the Shelby County School Board to arrange a pen pal program. His efforts led him to visit various schools, seeking appointments with principals to discuss cultural exchange programs. During this process, Elmore inadvertently visited Cherokee School, where his 8-year-old son, Siddhattha Elmore, attends. Meeting with Principal Tina Smith, the dynamic of the proposed pen pal program changed dramatically. Smith not only welcomed Elmore’s initiative but expressed a keen interest in connecting with students in Africa and even proposed a trip to Kenya with the students.

This warm reception at Cherokee School inspired Elmore to create a more active and engaging program. He leveraged his skills as a filmmaker, content creator, and cultural diplomat to establish the ACDEN. Unlike traditional pen pal programs, ACDEN brings education into the 21st century through digital communication. Elmore designed a space for communication via a website that combines a comment board with WhatsApp integration. This allows for seamless exchange of comments, documents, pictures, videos, and other information at no cost. WhatsApp, widely used in Kenya but less so in the United States, serves as a vital tool in this digital communication network.