Who Are We?
Providing a safe space for young people to explore creativity without judgment.
WHO ARE WE?
We are African Youth Arise (AYA) – Registered Charity Number 1203755. A charity based in Northamptonshire that inspires young people to be a better version of themselves. While our demographics is focused on Afro-Caribbean youth. We are an inclusive charity providing access to all young people, regardless of their cultural background or disability. We provide them with support and guidance in their personal development journey and assist them to access opportunities. AYA understands that parents and guardians also play a vital role in a young person’s life so we aim to help and support the family to ensure we build a stronger community.
AYA is passionate about bringing people together to achieve a better future for all, so join us!
OUR VISION
“To pursue excellence for young people through knowledge, respect, diligence and self discipline.”
–
Not everyone gets dealt the same hand in life.
‘Not everyone gets dealt the same hand in life!’ We all know the saying “life’s not fair” – at AYA we believe how you respond to life’s obstacles is what shapes you!
Responding to adversities in a productive way is a life skill that requires support. At AYA we aim to provide positive role models and safe places to help young people thrive. To then become proud members of their community.
THE ORIGIN STORY
AYA was founded by Rumbi Mukoyi in 2012 due to her personal experiences when she moved from Zimbabwe to the UK as a youth.
Rumbi moved with her parents in pursuit of a new beginning, but soon found herself overwhelmed with the unfamiliar, foreign land she now calls home.
She knows too well that navigating your way from adolescence to adulthood is challenging for young people, but for those who moved here as children, or those from families who are new to the country, understanding the complicated and sometimes daunting systems, processes and cultural differences can be overwhelming.
Therefore Rumbi’s desire to ensure young people do not endure the same challenges alone, Rumbi’s mind started wondering until she reached AYA.
AYA works with young people and their families to enrich their lives and empower them to reach their full potential.
At AYA we believe that preparing young people to become contributors to society by listening, supporting and helping is the right mix required to enable young people to aspire and reach their goals.
Rumbi believes heritage is something to be proud of and you should never be in a position where you feel it holds you back. Society has come a long way in embracing multiculturalism, but there is still more to be done.
VALUES & PRINCIPLES
The Three E’s
The three E’s are our core values at the heart of everything we do. Ultimately, we work to enable our young people to achieve all three.
Empower
Make our young people more confident, especially in controlling their life and claiming their rights.
Enhance
To further improve the good quality, value and status of somebody/something.
Enable
Unlocking the opportunities. Providing our young people access and platforms to endless possibilities
Principles
Throughout our interactions with our members we follow our ‘five finger rule’ to facilitate a safe environment.
Thumb
Encouragement
Index
Inclusivity, and not singling others out
Middle
Respect of space, self, and others
Ring
Engagement, involvement and commitment
Pinkie/Little
The little things matter, courteous and politeness
Thumb
Encouragement
Index
Inclusivity, and not singling others out
Middle
Respect of space, self, and others
Ring
Engagement, involvement and commitment
Pinkie/Little
The little things matter, courteous and politeness
OUR TEAM
Rumbi Mukoyi
Chief Mentor
AYA was founded by Rumbi Mukoyi in 2012 because of her personal experiences arriving in the UK from Zimbabwe as a youth. Rumbi moved to the UK with her parents in pursuit of new beginnings but soon found herself overwhelmed with the unfamiliar, foreign land she now called home…..
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Alan Itai Mukuvare
Doctor
Goes by Alan Itai Mukuvare, but soon to be known as Doctor Alan Itai Mukuvare. Following the successful completion of his PhD at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine where his research will be looking at Novel Therapeutics and Drug Resistance of Tropical Infectious Diseases. Why it’s important…..
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Blessing Mukoyi
WELL-BEING PRACTITIONER
Blessing brings a range of skills such as mentoring and coaching, career development, mental health and wellbeing and sharing my passion for music. He believes it is important for him to be part of AYA having been a young person and benefitted from the AYA programmes which landed him to opportunities…..
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Chengetayi Pswarayi
HEALTH ECONOMIST
Chengetayi is a mother of 3 – 2 sons and a daughter; adult and two teens); keen DIYer, crafter and gardener with a great passion for sport (running, tennis, golf), walking and being in nature. Chengetayi brings passion, adaptability, active listening, problem solving, creativity, and patience. Having been a young person once, and now being a parent to 3 young…
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James Dzimba
CHARTERED ENGINEER
James Dzimba is a senior manager and chartered engineer with Network Rail, a railway infrastructure company. Providing engineering expertise and leadership within the industry. This includes the mentoring and development of engineers in the early stages of their careers. James is a volunteer with a…..
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Ruth Pahla
PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING PRACTITIONER
Ruth is an aspiring Clinical Psychologist working as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. She enjoys working with people experiencing different mental health difficulties and helping them on their journey to wellness. As an individual Ruth enjoys the outdoors and being one with nature and taking…..
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Joanna Mwansa
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Joanna Mwansa is a Communications Officer for a charity helping refugees and asylum seekers, responsible for communicating the organisation’s vision through multimedia platforms. She is a passionate storyteller, photographer, documentary filmmaker, and author. Getting involved with AYA is such a great privilege…..
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Marcus Cheelo
African Youth Parents & Guardian Liaison
Mishael aka Marcus has been involved with AYA for the past five years. Some of his personal interests include the performing arts, music and film. African Youth Arise has been critical in his development as an Individual teaching and instilling fundamental skills such as the importance of goal-setting and financial literacy…..
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Salome Chamboko
mentor
Salome (Rumbi) Chamboko is a Mentor within African Youth Arise (AYA) working on various youth development, community & financial literacy programs. Professionally, she is an ACCA qualified UK Tax consultant who has been specialising in helping globally mobile employees with their adaptation to UK tax matters for the last 10+ years…..
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