The Mlinzi wa Watoto na Wafanyikazi Award – Guardian of Children & Staff

Celebrating Our Country Director, Nicholus Njogu

This award represents the highest gratitude we can offer — a recognition of leadership rooted in courage, wisdom, cultural understanding, and profound care. It is given to someone who not only fulfils their role, but elevates it beyond measure.

And we can think of no one more deserving than our Country Director, Nicholus Njogu.

To begin this tribute, here is a letter from our Founder, Sarah Rosborg.

A Letter from Our Founder

Dear Nicholus,

Before we hired you as Country Director, I often dreamed of having a Kenyan leader who could truly guide our amazing staff — someone who would protect them, support them, and walk beside them with the wisdom and heart that comes from understanding our children as Kenyan children. I longed for a leader who could hold our vision with strength and compassion, and help our team feel safe, supported, and proud.

But I will also be honest: not really knowing you at the beginning came with fear. After the difficult experiences we had with previous leaders, both the staff and I were anxious about repeating the past. That worry sat heavily with me.

It is hard to put into words just how profoundly you have changed Rafiki Mwema — the staff, the children, and all of us connected to this work. The relief I feel personally, knowing that everything is in safe, steady, and thoughtful hands, is something I cannot fully explain. You have brought trust, calm, leadership, and a deep sense of care that has transformed our entire organisation.

I realised that the only way to truly show you the depth of your impact was to let the staff tell you themselves. Following this letter, you will find their words — raw, real, and full of the praise you so deserve. Their voices say what is almost impossible for me to capture.

I will try every day to tell you how grateful I am for all you have done for Rafiki Mwema. But if ever there is a day I forget, please come back to this letter and know that my appreciation runs deeper than words will ever be able to express.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Sarah Rosborg
Founder, Rafiki Mwema

What Our Staff Say About Nicholus

A leader who protects, uplifts, and transforms

When we asked our staff to describe Nicholus, their responses were deeply moving and remarkably consistent. They described a leader who not only understands the heart of this work but lives it every day — someone who truly embodies the meaning of Mlinzi wa Watoto na Wafanyikazi: Guardian of Children and Guardian of Staff.

A Leadership Style Rooted in Wisdom and Care

Staff described him as:

• Transformational
• Visionary
• Humble and compassionate
• Democratic and inclusive
• Firm in principle, gentle in approach
• A role model for both children and adults

One team member shared:

“Nic leads with empathy and clarity. He listens, he involves everyone, and he gives direction calmly. He has restored safety, unity, and pride.”

Another said:

“He is one of a kind — a leader who wants every single person to grow.”

Nicholus doesn’t simply hold a position; he embodies a calling.

Restoring Safety, Unity & Dignity

Before Nicholus joined, many staff lived with fear. Fear of making mistakes, fear of speaking, fear of losing their jobs.

Today, that fear is gone.

Under his leadership:

• Psychological safety has been restored.
• Gossip and division have disappeared.
• Staff feel heard, respected, and valued.
• Professionalism and peace guide daily work.
• The culture has transformed into one of unity and openness.

One staff member said:

“He brought back the lost glory of Rafiki Mwema.”

Another:

“Nobody lives in fear anymore. He healed our workplace.”

A Protector and Mentor in Every Sense

His leadership goes far beyond the office or the farm. He protects his team in ways few leaders ever would.

Staff shared stories of:

• Him walking hospital to hospital overnight searching for a missing staff member.
• Providing immediate support after an abduction.
• Standing with staff through personal tragedies.
• Guiding team members through overwhelming workloads.
• Helping staff grow professionally, emotionally, and academically.

One person said:

“He saved my life — literally. And after that, he made sure I had everything I needed.”

Another:

“He grew me into the manager I am today.”

These are the actions of a true Mlinzi — a guardian.

A Champion for Children Above All

Every child at RMTC knows Uncle Nic. They run to him. They trust him. They love him.

He:

• Knows each child’s story and progress.
• Advocates fiercely for education.
• Ensures every need is met — food, safety, therapy, dignity.
• Developed prolonged sleepovers to rebuild family bonds.
• Transformed reintegration, making the once “impossible cases” possible.
• Champions trauma-informed, culturally grounded care.

One carer wrote:

“Those children we feared would never go home… they are all home now because of him.”

Another said:

“You cannot tell he is the boss when he is with the children. He is one of them — playful, caring, present.”

This is what guardianship looks like.

Transforming Rafiki Mwema From the Ground Up

His leadership has changed not only people, but the physical and operational heart of RMTC.

Under his guidance we have seen:

• A thriving farm with improved livestock and produce
• Two fish ponds
• Zero-grazing units
• Renovated houses and facilities
• Solar-powered systems
• Water towers and improved infrastructure
• Electrical and manual sewing machines
• A transformed outreach program that now reaches hundreds
• Clear job descriptions and strong professional boundaries
• A staff Sacco that is empowering families financially
• A work environment full of unity, pride, and dignity

One staff member said:

“He has taken RMTC to higher levels. Everything is different now — peaceful, productive, professional.”

What Staff Thank Him For

Across hundreds of messages, a few themes were repeated over and over:

• “Thank you for restoring hope.”
• “Thank you for fighting for the children.”
• “Thank you for treating us equally.”
• “Thank you for your humility.”
• “Thank you for giving us safety.”
• “Thank you for saving Rafiki Mwema.”
• “Thank you for believing in us.”

One staff member wrote:

“The children heal faster now. The staff have peace. He has transformed everything from bad to good, and from good to great.”

Another:

“We are blessed to have met him in this lifetime.”

Three Words to Describe Nicholus

The most repeated words were:

• Humble
• Compassionate
• Visionary
• Kind
• Protective
• Wise
• Transformative

One staff member said:

“He is kind, he serves everyone with love, and he leads from the front.”

Another:

“He is our father, our guide, and our guardian.”