About us
Raising Youth and Communities (RYC) is a woman-led non-profit organisation registered in Kenya. Our target areas are Mandera and Nairobi with the vison of expanding our operations to other areas. We recognise the significant challenges faced by individuals living in abject poverty, and we are committed to improving the lives of the community.
The organisation empowers young people and communities through community development programs, sustainable practices, and activities. RYC aims to uplift youth and communities by providing educational opportunities, fostering leadership and mentorship programmes, and promoting sustainable development initiatives.
Our Mission
To alleviate poverty in the region by creating an enabling environment for marginalized and disenfranchised women and youth within communities through education, raising awareness and promoting sustainability activities.
Our Vision
To empower and nurture communities by strengthening their income-generating activities and promoting sustainability.
Our Beliefs
RYC abides by a set of guiding values that are tied into every programme to ensure safeguarding principles.
Impact
Integrity
Teamwork
Innovation
Our collective aim and objective is to provide capacity building & training at regional & national levels.
The Team
Zulekha Abdi - Founder
Zulekha Abdi, is a dynamic professional with over 20 years of experience in community outreach and business development.
Before founding Raising Youth & Communities, she served as Executive Director of Shona Kenya, driving sustainable leather production. At IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), she implemented strategic climate change projects, and at the Kenya Red Cross Society, she raised KSH 1 billion for disaster preparedness through roles like Information and Reporting Manager, Drought Operations Manager, Tsunami Project Manager, and Business Development Manager. Additionally, she contributed to documentaries at BBC London.
Zulekha excels in relationship building, programme management, and strategic planning, with a deep passion for uplifting underserved communities.
Nahla Fayruz - Programme Manager
Nahla Fayruz, is a seasoned strategic communications and project management specialist with over 10 years of experience in advancing social and financial inclusion across the Horn of Africa. With a strong background in cross-border communications, she has led initiatives focusing on marginalized agro-pastoralist communities. Nahla has worked with IGAD, advocating for community development, and excels in stakeholder engagement, research, and strategic planning. She is passionate about fostering collaboration to drive impact and sustainable change in underserved regions.
Valerie Kutswa - Communication Specialist
Valerie Kutswa is a Gender and Development Specialist with over 4 years of experience in programme management, research, and stakeholder engagement. With a strong focus on gender mainstreaming, community outreach, and policy implementation, she has worked extensively in capacity-building initiatives and healthcare provision for marginalized communities. Valerie is also skilled in data analysis, communications management, and digital design, bringing a unique blend of technical and social expertise to her role.