At Rafiki Mwema, our mission is to provide a place of love, safety, and healing. This work is only possible because of the incredible individuals who dedicate their hearts and souls to our children. This month, we are honoured to celebrate one such person: the remarkable ‘Aunty Lilian’, our Employee of the Month. Lilian’s impact is felt in every corner of our community, from the classroom to the homes, where her nurturing spirit and tireless dedication are changing lives.
A Teacher Who Inspires Confidence
Lilian’s primary role as a teacher at our Jasiri Rafiki School has been transformative. Many children arrive at Rafiki Mwema having never held a pencil, their confidence shattered by past experiences. Lilian meets them with patience and a caring approach that creates a warm, supportive environment where it’s safe to learn and grow. She has an incredible talent for making the transition to a new school environment feel seamless, especially for our newest learners.
Her colleagues share stories of her going the extra mile, creating more time for children who are struggling and tailoring her methods to fit their unique needs. The results are nothing short of amazing. Boys who once couldn’t write their own names are now expressing themselves clearly, their self-esteem soaring. Through her passionate support, children who faced difficulties with reading and writing have shown great improvement, boosting their academic performance and their belief in themselves.
More Than a Teacher: A Pillar of Support
Lilian’s influence extends far beyond the classroom walls. She is a flexible and organised force of nature who actively participates in all aspects of life at Rafiki Mwema. Whether it’s doing general cleaning, ensuring the homes are orderly, or being strict about maintaining safe boundaries, she contributes wholeheartedly to the team. Her colleagues describe her as a problem-solver who is always ready to take on any responsibility assigned to her.
Her versatility is astonishing. She attends school meetings, takes children to hospital appointments, and provides support during vital counselling and psychiatric sessions. She even accompanies our outreach team on community sensitisation programs. Lilian’s kindness and sense of humour make everyone—staff and children alike—feel comfortable and safe around her. She has a unique ability to make complex tasks seem simple, even showing her team new techniques for cleaning and organising that have improved the living and working environments for everyone.
Building Bonds and Healing Hearts
One of Lilian’s most profound achievements has been her work with children facing significant behavioural and psychosocial challenges. She formed a deep, trusting connection with *Jett, a boy who struggled with violence and deep-seated trauma. Through her constant care, love, and collaboration with therapists and counsellors, Jett’s life has turned around. He can now interact positively with others, follow routines, and take on tasks without supervision—a huge milestone in his healing journey.
This is a testament to Lilian’s ability to see the child behind the behaviour. She doesn’t just teach; she helps keyworkers understand the deeper needs of their children, from academic struggles to personal habits like bedwetting. She is a true mother figure and role model, providing the stability and love our children need to heal.
An Inspiration to Us All
Lilian’s colleagues describe her as a “flower with many layers.” Once she starts a task, she performs it with such excellence you might think it’s her one true talent—until she masters another with the same perfection. She has challenged her peers to be better and add more skills to their work, leading by example in everything she does. When she is away, her absence is deeply felt.
Her passion is particularly evident in her recent efforts to ensure all the boys were prepared for the new school term, working beyond her normal hours to help them with their revision. The subsequent improvement in their grades speaks for itself.
Thank You, Aunty Lilian
Lilian, your hard work, flexibility, and boundless compassion have brought so much light to Rafiki Mwema. You have created a cleaner, more organised, and more nurturing home for our children and a more collaborative environment for our staff. Your ability to solve problems, your dedication to learning, and your unwavering love for the children are an inspiration to us all.
Thank you for everything you do. Your impact is immeasurable, and we are incredibly grateful to have you as part of the Rafiki Mwema family. Congratulations on being our Employee of the Month
