Meet The Team
It doesn’t matter if a member of the URAFIKI team is in Yala, Kenya or anywhere else in the world; we share a common bond, and are working towards the same goals. We now know for certain that by working together and really listening to each other, and to members of the wider Yala community, we can change things for the better. We know, too, that this change is reciprocal, not a one-way process.
Meet The Team
Simon Ayodi
Director - Kenya
“Change starts with the little you have. If you want to go fast, travel alone; if you want to go far travel together. Education, skills and jobs will help us tackle this extreme poverty.”
Nancy Ajanga
Programme Director - Kenya
“I cannot stand by and watch if my neighbour has lost hope in life and cannot see how to feed her children. Holding hands together we can create a better world for all our children, if given a chance everyone can succeed in life.”
Steve Mumbia
Finance Director
“I have volunteered to serve my community with my heart and hands. I won’t stop until my people have the skills to change the face of Yala.”
Maggie Bamber
Trustee
“I wanted to get involved with URAFIKI from its kitchen-table start. We have been lucky enough to be able to raise, feed and clothe our own 5 children and I wanted to help others in poorer communities do the same.”
Mari Davis
Trustee
"Seeing the horrific impact of poverty first hand has changed the way I see the world. Direct action by a committed group of people really can change not just one life but many."
Imelda Wightman
Trustee
“Urafiki means friendship and the joy of friendship with the people of Yala enriches my life. I give thanks for all that they do.”
Samson Rotich
Deaf Teacher
“I am very excited to be involved at the start of this amazing project and carve a place in society for children and adults who may be deaf.”
Chris Gill
Trustee
“I got involved with Urafiki because I was really struck by how much a relatively small charity could achieve by working closely with a specific community in Kenya and by building up a brilliant team over there.”
Eve Muliango
Children's Team Leader
“I love all these children as a mother. Doing this work I have learnt how to give of myself and look for no reward other than to see them happy and smiling.”
Joel Sereney
Urafiki Centre Security Guard
“URAFIKI is really holding up this community and helping families. I am so proud to work here and keep everyone safe.”
Daisy Jeptoo
Deaf Teacher
“This is a dream school. Being deaf myself, I know the importance of being able to sign and have a good education. I will dedicate myself to supporting these children.”
David Langat
Urafiki Centre Security Guard
“We are a peaceful community and so don’t get many disturbances. It’s great to be part of the URAFIKI team and support others.”
Chris Shrimpton
Organiser
“I set about raising money for solar lights by recycling metals via the local scrap yard. One Yala girl I sponsored made use of a solar light for homework and is currently studying at University near Nairobi. Many other Yala children are using solar lights for homework too.”
Charis Wightman
Organiser
“I started sponsoring with URAFIKI when I had just moved to Dubai and wanted to spread the word. After visiting Yala and seeing for myself the huge difference URAFIKI makes, I came back full of stories and real experiences to share.”
Norman Bamber
Trustee
“I have been involved with URAFIKI from its start. The people of Kenya are so impoverished compared to most of us in the UK. URAFIKI is the only charity we know that spends nothing on administration.”
Emma Moore
Organiser
“It has been a true blessing to my family and myself to know that we can make a real difference by reaching out and giving a helping hand to others.”
Jeannette Fear
Trustee
“I am involved with Urafiki as I believe in its philosophy and know that every donation will be used in a proactive and constructive manner, with careful scrutiny of its effectiveness by the Yala team.”
Maxi Musimbi
Cafe Manager
“To be a Chef was always my dream. I am known in URAFIKI for being a hard worker. Being able to educate my children is very important to me.”
Maureen Shikambe
Hairdressing Teacher
“Hairdressing is a great way to earn a living in Yala. The students are streaming in and see hope for their future.”
Delphine Mwimali
Administrator
“The future of our community is in the hands of young brains. I have been inspired by working with these young people and given then support and encouragement.”
Protus Mudome
Student Volunteer
“I love returning to Yala in my University holidays and helping with the house rebuilding and teaching the young children to read. I want to give back to the community for the support they have given me.”