We are delighted to introduce to you Rafiki Mwema’s CEO, Morwen Rossiter. Joining us at the helm of the organisation, Morwen heads up the executive team and manages our day-to-day operations and resources.
As an experienced CEO, Board Member and dedicated youth advocate, Morwen brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge.
We recently sat down to chat with Morwen about what drew her to the role of Rafiki Mwema’s CEO, what she loves most about Rafiki Mwema and the importance of volunteering.
What drew you to the role of Rafiki Mwema’s CEO?
I was drawn to Rafiki quite specifically because of their commitment to breaking the cycle. Sexual violence and the resulting trauma impacts individuals, families and communities, and the resulting behaviours can be repeated, while the trauma can be multi-generational.
Rafiki Mwema is not – and never will be – an orphanage. We believe that the best place for children is within a safe and loving family environment. Our goal is not to be the family home, but rather to be home until (and if) the family home is safe to return to. Being a small part of the solution and understanding deeply that we are not the end solution gives me such faith in the work Rafiki does and clarity of purpose, even on the challenging days.
What do you love most about the organisation and your role as Rafiki Mwema’s CEO?
Every day I get to work with the most incredible people who choose to give their time, care and effort. This is often done on top of demanding work and home lives. We all share the load, juggle, balance and know that we are doing work that genuinely makes a difference. When I work with our team in Kenya I feel the same passion. It’s a belief that things can and will get better. That shared belief in a more equitable world drives us all and Rafiki gives us the opportunity to put our effort and actions behind that belief.
What inspires you about the team behind Rafiki Mwema?
I believe we all have the capacity to give. We also have an obligation to contribute when, where and however we can. Often people want to help others but don’t know where to start. Or perhaps they believe that a monetary gift is the only way to help. But gifting your time and skills is sometimes the greatest gift you can give.
We have a village of volunteers at Rafiki Mwema who give countless hours, time and heart. Without them the wheels would stop turning and so many children would be impacted. I am inspired every day by what people are not only willing to do, but genuinely want to do. They want to play a part in making this world a little fairer, a little gentler and a little kinder to children so many miles and a world away.
In your role as Rafiki Mwema’s CEO, what would you say to those who would like to help?
We are always wanting to grow our village of volunteers because the need is ever-present. My hope is that those who wonder how they can help, or whether they can help at all, never conclude that they don’t have something special to contribute. Every person has something unique to contribute and can help. They can participate in the gentler world we envisage for the children of Rafiki Mwema and beyond.
Please join us in welcoming Morwen, Rafiki Mwema’s CEO. We’re excited to have such an incredible advocate heading up the team and look forward to all the amazing things we’ll be achieving together.
Meet more of our Rafiki Mwema team members HERE.
