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 - Co-Founder
Zulekha Abdi is a seasoned professional with an extensive background in business development and community outreach, spanning over 17 years.
Her leadership experience includes serving as Executive Director of Shona Kenya and Business Development Director at Raising Communities. As Co-Founder of Raising Youth & Communities Organisation, Zulekha continues to champion sustainable solutions for societal challenges, drawing from her experience as a Program Officer at ICPAC, where she focused on strategic planning and human resource development.
Zulekha's diverse skill set also includes program management and relationship building, honed through her roles at the Kenya Red Cross Society, where she managed disaster relief projects and spearheaded fundraising initiatives.
Zulekha is passionate about driving growth, fostering partnerships, and creating positive change in underserved communities, with a particular focus on education.
Fouzia Abdirahman - Co-Founder
Fouzia Abdirahman's extensive experience in international diplomacy and organizational governance has empowered her to make a significant impact on the lives of underserved communities in Kenya. As the co-founder of Raising Youth & Communities (RYC), she has used her global expertise and strategic leadership to create sustainable, inclusive growth and empowerment for youth and women.
She is committed to improving access to quality education in Kenya. Under her guidance, RYC conducted a comprehensive study in 2023 to assess the state of education in Mandera North Sub County. This study revealed critical challenges such as gender disparities, infrastructure gaps, and teacher shortages. Fouzia’s emphasis on evidence-based interventions has ensured that the findings have informed actionable steps to address systemic barriers to education.
She is passionate about gender equality and women's empowerment, which is reflected in RYC's initiatives. She has spearheaded roundtable discussions in Eastleigh, Nairobi, to address pressing issues such as gender-based violence (GBV), early marriages, and sexual abuse, fostering inclusive dialogue and community engagement. Additionally, she has championed economic inclusion through initiatives like the yoghurt-making training program in Mandera, which equips women with entrepreneurial skills to achieve financial independence.
Her expertise in project management and resource optimization has been critical in driving RYC’s sustainability efforts. Her ability to mobilize resources, build partnerships, and oversee large-scale projects has enabled RYC to implement impactful programs despite resource constraints. Her focus on community-driven solutions ensures that RYC’s initiatives are both effective and scalable.
While Fouzia’s accomplishments at the United Nations are impressive, her work with RYC showcases her ability to drive transformative change at the grassroots level. Her strategic leadership, commitment to empowerment, and focus on sustainability have positioned RYC as a beacon of hope for youth, women, and underserved communities in Kenya. Through RYC, she has not only transformed lives but also inspired a new generation of changemakers.
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.