Talent is universal, opportunity is not.
Our Community
Community ownership and engagement are central to Mwanzo’s identity. During the construction of the Mwanzo Wetu Center of Excellence Academy (MWCEA; recently renamed from Mwanzo Education Center), Rabuor families worked tirelessly to transport building materials, provide meals for the local construction crew, and ensure that children were safe. Similarly, parents and guardians play a major role in the provision of school feeding at MWCEA by donating grain twice per year when they harvest crops. “Our garofa,” or “our two-story building,” is a common phrase among people in Rabuor. This sentiment embodies the essence of Mwanzo. Community members in Rabuor and nearby villages share immense pride in not only MWCEA, but also in the liveliness, activity, and shared hope that Mwanzo’s programs ignite.
Jump to: Mwanzo Staff | Board of DirectorS AND PARTNERs
Loyce Ong’udi
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
loyce@mwanzo.org
Loyce Ong’udi (MPA) was born and raised in the small village of Rabuor in Western Kenya. During her childhood and adolescence, Loyce did not see herself as someone experiencing poverty, but as a young woman benefitting greatly from the strong support of her community. After coming to the United States in 1996, she found her way to Seattle and began working for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. During her three years at the foundation, Loyce learned about the health inequities that many countries face, and she began to reflect on her home village and the challenges that her friends and family were experiencing. Compelled to act, she founded Mwanzo and led the way for sustainable, community-driven development in Rabuor and 14 surrounding villages. Loyce believes that healthy communities must have a strong foundation of global-cultural linkages between generations. A Harry Truman Scholar, Loyce graduated from the University of Washington in 2008 with a Master of Public Administration. In 2015, she was named a Seattle Central College Distinguished Alumna.
Rabuor Senior Staff
Jonathan Aluoka
COUNTRY MANAGER
Jonathan Aluoka is a graduate of Africa Nazarene University with a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) in Special Education (Primary Option). Jonathan ensures that the overall day-to-day operations of Mwanzo Wetu Center of Excellence Academy (MWCEA) run smoothly and that the school adheres to the curriculum and policies mandated by the Kenyan government. In addition to overseeing the daily operations of the school, Jonathan guided construction of the MWCEA building as the frontline supervisor. His work culminated in the successful completion of MWCEA’s two-story primary school, built by members of the community and local workforce. Beyond managing MWCEA, Jonathan’s work entails the administration of economic empowerment programs that focus on training and supporting women’s groups as they work toward self-reliance. His dreams are to make MWCEA a school of excellence, where learners are made to realize their full potential, and to provide Rabuor and neighboring communities with renewed hope for years to come.
Margaret Atieno Oluoch
HEAD TEACHER
Margaret Atieno Oluoch was born to be a teacher. She has served as the head teacher at Mwanzo Wetu Center of Excellence Academy (MWCEA) since its inception in 2012 and teaches pre-primary classes 1 and 2. Margaret also serves as MWCEA’s creative director and has led students to win many awards at the regional Creativity Competition. She is a trusted leader in the community and the direct contact for parents of current and prospective students. Working closely with the country manager, Margaret oversees the administrative activities of MWCEA and supervises the daily tasks of the school’s teaching and non-teaching staff members. In addition to daily teaching and supervisory activities, Margaret enforces government policies to ensure the safety of MWCEA’s 200+ students. She works hand in hand with the country manager, the accountant, and the administrative clerk to collect school fees, all while maintaining a deep understanding of each student – especially those facing health challenges and poverty. Her dream for MWCEA is that it will continue to lead in local and national creative activities, sports, and academics.
Eric Otieno Ayanga
DEPUTY HEAD TEACHER
Eric Otieno Ayanga is the deputy head teacher at the Mwanzo Wetu Center of Excellence Academy (MWCEA). He teaches fourth grade mathematics and social studies, fifth grade English and science, and third grade mathematics and science. Joining the school as a teacher in 2018, Eric oversees academics, discipline, and the maintenance of the school property. He holds a certificate in primary education. A native of Rabuor, Eric ensures that MWCEA is well connected to the greater village community. His vision is that MWCEA will produce well-rounded learners and productive members of society.
Maurice Ochieng Okello
STAFF ACCOUNTANT
Maurice Ochieng Okello (CPA) has served as Mwanzo Wetu Center of Excellence Academy’s (MWCEA) accountant since January 2018. Maurice collaborates with the country manager and head teacher to set policies for the daily management of the school. He is responsible for ensuring that parents who are financially capable pay school fees on time and according to their means. Maurice prepares budgets and tracks expenses for MWCEA’s various activities, including annual school operations, creative activities, and field trips. He is also responsible for the disbursement of staff salaries. Maurice’s dream is that MWCEA achieves 80 percent self-sufficiency by 2024, requiring minimal external support.
Nassim Chelimo
ADMINISTRATIVE CLERK
Nassim Chelimo is Mwanzo Wetu Center of Excellence Academy’s (MWCEA) administrative clerk. With warmth and positivity, she welcomes parents, visitors, and officers from the education sector to the school, while also coordinating a number of operations activities. From taking photographs during celebrations, competitions, and field trips, to planning the annual kindergarten graduation and assisting with bookkeeping activities, Nassim is a vital source of support for MWCEA. In addition to her responsibilities at the school, she also leads the Mwanzo women’s groups by facilitating trainings and field visits. Nassim holds a diploma in business administration and has been with MWCEA since January 2018. She dreams that the school will set an example for others and serve as a beacon of hope in Western Kenya.
MWCEA Staff
In addition to its senior staff, the Mwanzo Wetu Center of Excellence Academy (MWCEA) employs nine additional certified teachers and seven nutrition, environmental services, groundskeeping, security, and transportation staff members. MWCEA would not be the thriving school it is today without the dedication and enthusiasm of its 21 staff members.
Nutrition and Environmental Services Team
Members of the Teaching Team
Seattle Board of Directors
George Vestal is the chairperson of the Mwanzo board. He operates a successful home health care agency in the Seattle area. George is strongly committed to volunteerism and has extensive experience working with nonprofits.
Barb Carmichael is the vice-chairperson of the board and also supports donor relations and volunteer coordination. She is a retired elementary school educator who continues to volunteer her time with students of all ages.
Terry Moore is the treasurer of the board and leads donor relations. He is a professional actor and director, and the producing artistic director of Thalia’s Umbrella (thaliasumbrella.org).
Mary Sue Galvin is the secretary of the Mwanzo board. She is active on the communications committee and leads volunteer coordination efforts for Mwanzo. As a retired nurse practitioner, Mary Sue is especially interested in supporting the health and nutrition of children in Rabuor and neighboring villages.
Leslie Keenan is active on the board through donor relations and volunteer coordination. She is a retired nurse who specialized in the care of mothers and infants.
Sally Holmes is a graduate student at the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy and Governance. She works as an intern with Mwanzo to develop fundraising, donor relations, and communications strategies.
Lillian Lahiri is an active member of the board fundraising committee. She has taught mindfulness, music, math, and language arts in a variety of settings, including middle schools, high schools, and community colleges.
Rose Morrison is the newest member of our Board, having joined in November 2020. She is an active oncology infusion room nurse whose first focus with Mwanzo is helping initiate a monthly sustained giving donor program.
Sven Peterson is the lead of fundraising on the board. Sven is the compliance and ethics officer for a major Pacific Northwest nonprofit health plan. He is passionate about issues involving children, education, and health care.
Our Partners
We are proud to partner with others dedicated to cultivating lasting opportunity for all.
