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.
Nick Reding
FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Nick founded S.A.F.E. in 2001 after helping to establish an HIV/ AIDS clinic in Mombasa. Since then, he has been responsible for running S.A.F.E. as well as leading the artistic direction of all the teams and directing S.A.F.E.’s multi-award-winning film Ndoto Za Elibidi and second feature film, Ni Sisi. Before moving to Kenya, Nick was a full-time actor. His many films and television appearances include Croupier, The Constant Gardener, Soul Boy, Silent Witness, Judge John Deed and The Bill. On stage, he played Joseph Porter Pitt in Tony Kushner’s Angels in America at the National Theatre as well as leading roles at the Royal Court. Despite working full-time for S.A.F.E. he still occasionally acts, most recently in Blood Diamond, The First Grader and Strike Back. Nick lives in Nairobi.
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.
Alice Crookenden
PROGRAMME DIRECTOR
Alice started at S.A.F.E. in March 2017, initially as a volunteer and then in August came on as Programme Director. Alice first discovered a passion for development and East Africa on a volunteer trip to Tanzania in 2014; inspired by S.A.F.E.’s use of Arts in development she was delighted to have the opportunity to get involved. Based in London, she looks after the UK Charity as well as travelling to Kenya, visiting the teams to support the Project Managers. Alice also works closely with the Executive Director and Head of Finance, updating and implementing policies and processes and looking for funds for new and existing programmes.
Faith Mwake
FINANCE ASSISTANT
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