Employee of the Month – October 2026
In the boys’ house at Doyle Farm, there’s one person the boys (and the staff) are always happy to see: Lydia Oruma.
This month, Lydia received 13 nominations from her colleagues, and together they paint a picture of someone who brings warmth, structure and a great deal of love to everything she does.
A mother figure to the boys
Some of the boys in our care have come to us from life on the streets, carrying difficult experiences with them. Lydia’s colleagues say she has a special way of connecting with them.
With her patient support, boys who once struggled with daily routines have learnt to look after their personal hygiene, keep their clothes and wardrobes tidy, and care for their home with very little supervision.
“She has unconditional love that results in the healing of the boys.”
Small things that make a big difference
Lydia looks after the boys’ clothing, and she makes sure every new arrival has shoes and clothes that fit, so they can feel safe and secure from their very first day. She helps the boys look smart for sleepovers and family visits, which her colleagues say does wonders for their confidence and self-esteem. She keeps the boys’ house well organised, and she’s often busy in the kitchen garden so the boys can enjoy fresh indigenous vegetables.
Lydia also plays an important part in the boys’ therapeutic care, supporting her key children to attend their sessions and sharing thoughtful updates on their progress with the team.
Always ready to step in
Lydia’s colleagues describe her as punctual, organised and dependable. She sets healthy boundaries with warmth and fairness, and when the team is short-staffed, she willingly covers day and night shifts so the boys keep receiving consistent care.
She’s known as a problem solver across the whole Rafiki Mwema family, not just in the boys’ house.
“She always makes the environment lovely with her presence.”
Thank You Lydia
Thank you, Lydia, for your joy, your patience and your care for every boy who calls Doyle Farm home. Congratulations on being our Employee of the Month.
The care Lydia gives every day is made possible by the generosity of our sponsors and donors. If you’d like to help us keep caring for the children at Doyle Farm, you can make a donation here.
