UMU RAFIKIVOLUNTEERS
Schoolgirls in blue uniforms holding up donated supplies with teachers and a volunteer outside their school building

About us

A family built through love in action.

Founded in 2024 by Umu Farid, UMU Rafiki Volunteers works directly with children, teachers, orphanages, and community leaders in Bombolulu.

Founder's story

The inspiration came close to home.

Umu Farid, founder of UMU Rafiki Volunteers, smiling under acacia trees with two giraffes behind her
Umu Farid — Founder

UMU RAFIKI VOLUNTEERS was founded in 2024 by Umu Farid, born and raised in Mombasa, Kenya. The inspiration came close to home — my mother and sister are teachers in public schools, where most of the students come from very poor backgrounds. Seeing this reality up close, I knew I wanted to do something more.

We don't arrive with pre-made plans. Before any project begins, we speak directly with whoever is in charge — head teachers, orphanage directors, community leaders — to understand what's genuinely needed, not what we assume is needed.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life — local Kenyans and international visitors alike — united by one thing: showing up for children who need it most.

Because for us, it's not simply about volunteering in Kenya — it's about becoming part of a family.

Co-founder

The person who keeps it all moving.

Nuru Farid, co-founder of UMU Rafiki Volunteers, smiling outdoors in a white headscarf and patterned blouse
Nuru Farid — Co-Founder, Operations & Coordination

Nuru Farid is Umu's sister and co-founder of UMU RAFIKI VOLUNTEERS, leading operations and coordination across every project and partnership. A teacher herself, Nuru brings firsthand experience of the classroom to everything the organization does — understanding not just what a school needs, but how to make sure it actually reaches the children.

Driven by the same passion to help that started this journey, she keeps the daily work of the organization running, so every volunteer, donation, and project lands exactly where it's needed most.

Where we work

Six trusted partner institutions.

Four schools and two orphanages in Bombolulu, Mombasa — together reaching more than 500 children and supporting over 40 families.

Glorious Academy students in green uniforms with teachers and a volunteer in their classroom in Bombolulu, Mombasa

Glorious Academy

Dawm Urban School children in blue and white uniforms with a volunteer and teachers outside their classroom in Bombolulu, Mombasa

Dawm Urban School

Khadija Primary students in white shirts waving with their volunteer in front of the whiteboard in their classroom in Bombolulu, Mombasa

Khadija Primary and Junior Secondary School

Fathiladhim School children in white hijabs and green uniforms with their teacher and a volunteer in their classroom in Bombolulu, Mombasa

Fathiladhim School

Children at Tabaarak orphanage sitting in a circle on the floor playing a game with their volunteer in Bombolulu, Mombasa

Tabaarak Orphanage

Volunteers chatting with the girls and mothers at Iklas orphanage sitting together on the floor in Bombolulu, Mombasa

Iklas Orphanage