At Rafiki Mwema, leadership isn’t just about managing tasks; it’s about nurturing souls, fostering unity, and leading with a heart full of compassion. This month, we are honoured to celebrate a leader who embodies all these qualities and more. Please join us in congratulating our latest Employee of the Month, the incredible ‘Aunty Fancy’ Chemtai!
Fancy is the manager of our boys’ house, a role she performs with a unique blend of firmness, empathy, and motherly care. Her leadership has not just created a house; it has built a home—a place of calmness, discipline, and profound healing for boys who come to us from the most difficult of circumstances.
A Leader Who Unites and Inspires
Leading a house full of boys with complex histories is no small feat, yet Fancy handles it with a grace that amazes her colleagues. She has cultivated an environment of unity and unconditional love, bringing the staff together as one strong, cohesive team. Her laughter lightens up any room, but it’s her steady encouragement that keeps the team moving forward, even when things feel difficult.
What makes Fancy’s leadership so effective is her hands-on approach. She is not a manager who leads from a distance. Despite her significant responsibilities, she regularly chips in to assist with daily house chores, setting an example of humility and teamwork. When staff see their leader working alongside them, it inspires them to push themselves and invest more deeply in their roles. This collaborative spirit has suppressed challenging behaviours and fostered a sense of calm and cooperation throughout the boys’ project.
The Heart of Healing and Transformation
Fancy possesses a remarkable ability to connect with the boys on a deep, personal level. She listens with empathy, offering a safe space for them to express themselves. This was profoundly demonstrated in her work with one of our boys who arrived at Rafiki Mwema violent, hyper, and unable to concentrate. Many thought his healing journey would be long and arduous.
However, Fancy met him with unwavering support—emotionally, physically, and spiritually. She built a strong, trusting connection with him through consistent reassurance and care. In collaboration with medical and therapeutic support, his behaviour began to transform. The violence subsided, and a sense of calm emerged. This case, among many others, confirms that Fancy is not just a leader but someone truly born for this work. She has a gift for seeing the potential in every child and nurturing it with patience and love.
More Than a Manager: A Mother to All
The titles of ‘Aunty’ and ‘Mama’ are not just terms of endearment for Fancy; they are an accurate reflection of the role she plays. She is a true mother figure, providing comfort, guidance, and stability to both the boys and her fellow staff members. She ensures the boys have everything they need, from food and clothing to school supplies and medical care. When a child is sick, she acts quickly to arrange hospital visits.
Her care extends to the most critical moments in a child’s life. She offers heartfelt guidance to boys transitioning out of Rafiki Mwema, providing them with the emotional grounding they need to face the future with confidence. She also welcomes new arrivals with a warmth that immediately assures them of their safety. This month, she was on the frontline welcoming three new boys from the streets, ensuring they had everything they needed to settle in comfortably.
Fancy’s dedication knows no bounds. She is always accessible, ready to take a call at any time to help resolve an issue before it escalates. She has even used her personal driving skills to transport children when needed and supports women in local prisons, embodying the spirit of compassion that defines Rafiki Mwema.
Thank You, Aunty Fancy
Fancy, your leadership, your compassion, and your unwavering dedication have created a sanctuary of healing and growth. You have instilled values of discipline, responsibility, and brotherly love in our boys, and you have built a team that works with passion and unity. You are a role model, a mentor, and the heart of the boys’ house.
Thank you for putting your position aside to help with chores, for staying late to ensure smooth handovers, and for always being there with a listening ear and an encouraging word. Your impact is profound, and we are incredibly lucky to have you in the Rafiki Mwema family.
Congratulations on being our well-deserved Employee of the Month!
