Our Team

Ian Murage is a dedicated environmental research professional with over 4 years of experience leading multidisciplinary teams and implementing sustainable solutions. As the Chairperson and Head of Environmental Research & Solutions at Friends of Fizi Foundation, Ian provides strategic leadership to the Kabiria Friends of Fizi Foundation Work Group, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission to support underprivileged children at the Kabiria Fizi School.

With a strong background in climate change research, project management, and stakeholder engagement, Ian is committed to driving positive environmental and social impact. He holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Resource Conservation from Kenyatta University and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Climate Change and Sustainability at the same institution.

Ian's leadership, innovation, and dedication to empowering the refugee community have been instrumental in the growth and success of Friends of Fizi Foundation. His work inspires and creates lasting change, fostering a brighter future for the children and communities we serve. If you want to support his work for the Fizi School children and community, contact chairperson@fizischool.com .

Petronie Asende, born on 12 October 2004 in Congo, arrived in Kenya when she was a little kid, fleeing from a violent conflict with her family. At the Fizi Educational Centre, Petronie teaches basic computer skills to the children and develops office work. She is in charge of the students and school files, organizing them more functionally and refinedly. She aims to make the Fizi community a place of excellence and ensure every student pursues further studies in digital literacy.

With a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering and over 20 years of experience in strategy, fundraising, project management, and evaluation across Brazil, Spain, Canada, and Kenya, I specialize in sustainability, social responsibility, and innovation for the built environment. As Head of Monitoring and Reporting and a Board Member at Friends of Fizi Kabiria, I oversee the development of the CBO's monitoring, reporting, and evaluation systems, lead fundraising efforts, and manage educational and well-being programs for a school community of 150+ individuals. I also guide a team of over 25 volunteers across multiple sectors, including the Well-being and Education workgroup and the Child Sponsorship Program, driving projects that promote gender equality, education, and sustainability in underserved communities. You can contact me at evaluation@fizischool.com .

Jean Damascene Ndatimana is a proactive and business-oriented professional with over four years of experience in internal and external business operations. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in International Business Administration at United States International University Africa. In addition, he holds certifications in AI Career Essentials and Customer Support.

Jean has expertise in human resources management, customer service, product recommendations, and conflict resolution. His career spans roles in HR, logistics, sales, and finance, earning him company awards for exceptional performance.

He is multilingual, fluent in English, Kiswahili, Luganda, and Kinyarwanda, with a good command of French and basic knowledge of German. Passionate about business development, training, and fostering positive workplace environments, Jean thrives in dynamic, multicultural settings. If you can support or partner with the CBO Friends of Fizi Kabiria to develop digital literacy projects, contact Jean: digitalskills@fizischool.com .

Luma Dórea, a Brazilian feminist lawyer dedicated to human rights, has been in Nairobi since 2022. She is pursuing a PhD in Environmental Law while working as an international legal consultant specializing in compliance. Since 2022, Luma has supported the Fizi School and is the Head of Legal Affairs and Legal Compliance and Gender Policy Officer for Friends of Fizi Kabiria. In this role, she develops policies aligned with Kenyan laws and procedures and creates projects to reduce pervasive gender gaps within the community. If you have questions for Luma or want to understand how she keeps the Friends of Fizi Kabiria compliant with legislation, ethical standards and internal policies, contact compliance@fizischool.com . 

Tecla holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), a Postgraduate Diploma in Law and is pursuing a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Law, focusing on International Humanitarian Law and the protection of vulnerable populations.

At Friends of Fizi Foundation, Tecla provides legal aid and advocacy for refugee children, ensuring they receive protection, access to justice, and psychosocial support.  She also doubles as a Partnerships Coordinator where she is involved in the legal behind the scenes behind the foundation’s partnerships. 
Fluent in English, Swahili, and Spanish, she brings a global perspective to her work, empowering vulnerable children and fostering hope through legal interventions,

Ludmilla Duarte, a Brazilian national, has a BA in Journalism, a Post-Degree in Human Rights, a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental Policy. She worked as a news reporter and led communication teams in public bodies of the Brazilian government at regional and national levels; she currently works as a Communication Consultant at the international level. Ludmilla met the Fizi School in 2021; since then, she has been actively supporting its work. If you are interested in partnering with Friends of Fizi Kabiria on behalf of the Fizi Educational Center and its children and community, email Ludmilla at partnerships@fizischool.com

Joan Thiong’o holds a Bachelor of Science in Development Studies and is the Head of Projects for Community Development at Friends of Fizi Kabiria CBO. In this role, they focus on fundraising, program sustainability, and strategic planning. As a board member, Joan contributes to shaping impactful, community-centered initiatives. They are also involved in monitoring and evaluation for the Child Sponsorship Project, supporting vulnerable children's education and well-being. Joan is passionate about driving grassroots change through thoughtful program design and resource mobilization.

Kombozi Kininga Jacob, born in July 1973, arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2008 with his wife, fleeing from a violent political environment in Congo. A professional teacher in Congo, Jacob decided in 2014 to create a school in Kabiria to welcome the many refugee kids whose families could not pay for school fees and were out of school. His permanent struggle is feeding the 150 kids, paying for the rent, teachers' salaries and keeping up with school supplies. His work inspired us to create the CBO Friends of Fizi Kabiria, whose primary goal is to support the children and the school community.

Trecy Karani lives in Kabiria and has taught the Grade 2 group at the Fizi Educational Center since 2020. She is the mother of a little girl and a newborn. Trecy finished secondary school, took the KCSE (the Kenyan national exam) and is now completing her studies in Community Health at the East African Vision Institute (EAVI). Being a teacher is her passion, but she confesses that she dreams of becoming a doctor. “I want to treat people, make them feel good, save lives”.

Phelistance Gendia is a passionate nonprofit leader committed to community development, financial transparency, and impactful project management. As the Project Manager and Treasurer of Friends of Fizi Kabiria, Phelistance plays a crucial role in overseeing financial planning, donor relations, and strategic program execution. Her dedication to empowering vulnerable communities, particularly refugee children, drives her efforts in shaping sustainable initiatives that create lasting change.