Behind the Scenes
S.A.F.E. HQ
S.A.F.E. HQ provides logistical, financial and leadership support to the project teams, keeping the administrative workload of the project staff to a minimum – giving them more time to spend with the community they serve.
Alice Crookenden
HEAD OF S.A.F.E.
Alice started at S.A.F.E. in March 2017, initially as a volunteer and then permanently as Head of Programmes. Inspired by S.A.F.E.’s use of arts in development, she was delighted to have the opportunity to get involved. In July 2022, she took over from Nick Reding as Head of S.A.F.E. She is based in Mombasa at our HQ, visiting the teams to support the Project Managers, and frequently travels to the UK, where she is from, to look after the UK Charity.
Benson Obiva
HEAD OF FINANCE
Benson is one of the longest-running members of SAFE Pwani and was involved in its establishment in 2001. After showing an interest in taking on a financial role, S.A.F.E. sponsored Benson to qualify as a CPA (certified public accountant). As well as an actor, he is now S.A.F.E.’s financial controller, handling the finances across all of the teams. In this role, he prepares budgets for all activities and oversees the movement of cash. He lives in Mombasa and hopes, through his work in S.A.F.E., to inspire other actors so that they can also work in NGOs whilst still being creative.
Lewis Olaka
HEAD OF PROGRAMS
Lewis joined S.A.F.E. in 2022 as Head of Programmes, having spent time in the field with the Pwani team and met with S.A.F.E.’s leadership. He sees his role, in which he oversees S.A.F.E.’s programmes, as giving him an opportunity to fulfil his personal mission: to create positive impacts in local communities. This is in addition to his passion for mentoring youths. As well as working for S.A.F.E., he set up the Mombasa Rugby Academy in 2020, focusing on mentoring upcoming rugby players across different high schools. As well as giving them the necessary skills, his programme aims to provide youths with values such as teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship. Lewis graduated with a BSc in International Business Administration in 2006 from the United States International University, Africa.
Leah Simmons Wood
FUNDRAISING AND COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Leah joined S.A.F.E. in January 2023, as a Fundraising and Communications Assistant. In early June, she was promoted to Officer. Her role includes writing funding applications and reports for donors, organising UK trustee meetings, general administration and managing the social media team. Leah was born in Kenya but is now based in the UK, with occasional travels to Kenya to visit the projects and teams. She has an academic background from the University of Bristol, with a BA in History and an MSc in Migration and Mobility Studies.
Faith Mwake
FINANCE ASSISTANT
Faith has been S.A.F.E.’s Finance Assistant for just over two years. Previously, she worked for Wofak – another organisation supporting people living with HIV. She was excited by the artistic approach S.A.F.E. uses to inspire change, and thus got involved. Faith’s role is vital in supporting the development of project budgets as well as maintaining the organisation of HQ administration.
Dan Karanja
TRANSPORT SUPERVISOR
Dan is S.A.F.E.’s Transport Supervisor as well as acting as sound technician and DJ at each show. He is from Nairobi and before joining S.A.F.E. was a Matatu (public bus) driver.
Mariam Seif
OFFICE SUPPORT
Mariam Seif started at S.A.F.E. in 2016. Her role at S.A.F.E. is to look after the office and equipment, and general office administration. Mariam grew up in Likoni, Mombasa, and in her spare time is a henna artist. Previously, she worked as a tailor. Mariam feels proud to work at S.A.F.E., believing she’s learned a lot and that the role has given her confidence and purpose.