Jitegemee Children’s Program is delighted to welcome Jennifer Katiwa as its new Executive Director (ED). Jennifer’s leadership perfectly aligns with Jitegemee’s mission, not only fulfilling the program’s professional requirements but also advancing our vision of becoming a frontrunner in local leadership for community-based organizations.
Jennifer’s professional experience in working with vulnerable youth in Kenya is extensive. For eight years, Jennifer served as an Education officer for Windle International Kenya which was funded by UNHCR in Dadaab, Kenya. Returning to her roots in Machakos, Jennifer took a step forward in her career, assuming the role of Country Director at Jitegemee.
Since she arrived in 2018, Jennifer has strengthened the organization’s working relationship with the community, and government institutions like the Ministry of Education Department of Adult and Continuing Education who continue to support Jitegemee’s work by seconding one staff to help in the training of the Vocational classes and street business school. Jitegemee commitment to government advocacy and policy development has seen the organisation gazetted by the Republic of Kenya in the Kenya Gazette on 1st April, 2021 as a committee member in the Machakos Sub-County and the Mwala Sub-County, probation/community service order case committees. Jitegemee has also participated in the development of the draft on the national policy of rehabilitation of street families in Kenya that was spearheaded by Street Families Rehabilitation Trust Fund (SFRTF).
The organization has further participated at County level interventions by participating in the development of the Machakos County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) and ensured children’s and education issues were well articulated. Jennifer has worked together with the outgoing Executive Director, Verity Norman-Tichawangana, to expand the funding opportunities for Jitegemee and this year a new project and office for Jitegemee was opened in Mlolongo town, Machakos, Kenya. Instrumental in shaping the organization’s core values and 2023-2025 strategic plan, she ensured their application in daily decision-making. She also collaborated with the outgoing ED and board to develop organizational policies. Jennifer’s model of leadership has created an environment where the team members feel appreciated while the children supported by Jitegemee have found a safe space and a home in which their life ambitions can thrive.Jennifer’s exemplary leadership has been internationally recognized: in 2020 she won the African Visionary Fellowship award, and she has been a speaker at international conferences throughout Africa and the US. Jennifer’s promotion is well-deserved!
As Jennifer takes the helm as Executive Director, Verity Norman-Tichawangana embarks on a new chapter as a member of Jitegemee’s International Board. We express immense gratitude to Verity for her exceptional leadership since 2016. Under Verity’s guidance, Jitegemee has empowered over 300 children through education and expanded crucial programs like vocational training, school lunches, technical skills and healthcare. A cornerstone of Verity’s vision was Jitegemee’s transition to local leadership and we’re delighted to see this come to fruition. Verity will continue to provide invaluable guidance as a member of our volunteer International Board, supporting the local team in Machakos and the Kenyan Board of Directors.
Jitegemee’s dedication to empowering Machakos’ most vulnerable families and its successful transition to local leadership fill us with immense pride. We commend both Jennifer and Verity for ensuring a seamless handover and extend our deepest appreciation to Jitegemee’s staff for their unwavering commitment to the children. Finally, we recognize the Kenyan and International Boards for their unwavering support of the entire team. Looking ahead, we are energized by Jitegemee’s potential to continue its impactful work under local leadership poised to make an even greater difference in the lives of Machakos’ most vulnerable families and children.
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