Rise up Kenya initiative brings hope, mentorship and opportunities to communities
The Mt Kenya Times 
"Rise Up Kenya," partnership between the Alpha Queen Collective and Civility Voice Diplomats addressing the press in kisii county says that , that designed to identify community needs and provide practical solutions that can transform lives. Photo/Elizabeth Angira
By Elizabeth Angira
For six days, a team of humanitarian leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and mentors from the United States travelled across Kenya with one mission to uplift communities, inspire students, and create lasting change.
The initiative, dubbed “Rise Up Kenya,” is a partnership between the Alpha Queen Collective and Civility Voice Diplomats. Through mentorship, community outreach, educational support, and humanitarian work, the team reached thousands of learners and vulnerable families across the region.
Leading the delegation was Carissa Adkins, founder of the Alpha Queen Collective and the Alpha Queen Rising Movement, who said returning to Kenya was both exciting and fulfilling.
“We have brought together heart-led leaders, entrepreneurs, healers, and teachers to mentor students, empower communities, and give back in meaningful ways,” she said.
According to Adkins, the organisation’s work in Kenya is built on three key pillars: community outreach, education and mentorship, and empowerment. Their efforts include supporting students through scholarships, donating learning materials, rebuilding homes for vulnerable families, and providing resources that help children stay in school.
“Our goal is to create opportunities and inspire young people to believe in their potential while supporting communities facing different challenges,” she said.
The team worked closely with Ambassador Dominic Obadiah, founder and president of Civility Voice Diplomats, who coordinated many of the activities during the visit.
Obadiah said the Rise Up Kenya mission was designed to identify community needs and provide practical solutions that can transform lives.
“We are committed to creating impact where it is needed most. This trip allowed us to interact directly with students and communities and understand the challenges they face,” he said.
During their visits to schools, the team encountered an unexpected challenge. Several schools had closed due to ongoing student unrest that has affected parts of the country.
Despite the disruptions, the visitors managed to engage with learners and school leaders, gaining insights into some of the issues contributing to the unrest.
“We discovered that many students are struggling with discipline, peer pressure, and uncertainty about their future careers. These are areas where mentorship can make a huge difference,” said Obadiah.
Members of the delegation used their personal experiences to encourage learners to make positive choices and resist negative influences.
Larissa Reed from California said many school principals requested the team to reinforce messages around discipline, personal responsibility, and leadership.
“We wanted students to understand that they have the power to make good decisions and not be influenced by peer pressure. By sharing our own life stories, we hoped to inspire them to stay focused on their goals,” she said.
Beyond mentorship, the delegation delivered significant support to schools and communities. According to Adkins, the team donated school supplies that will benefit thousands of learners and provided scholarships and sponsorships for 37 students from primary school to high school level.
The group also continued its campaign against period poverty by distributing reusable menstrual cups to girls in schools. The initiative aims to help girls manage their menstrual health with dignity while reducing school absenteeism.
Last year, the organisation donated hundreds of menstrual cups to students at Manga Girls High School. This year, they returned with additional supplies and plans to reach even more schools.
The team also invested in improving access to clean water by donating water tanks to schools and communities.
In one of the most emotional moments of the visit, members helped renovate a house for a widower who had lived in difficult conditions for more than two decades.
The delegation further supported digital learning by contributing to the establishment of computer laboratories in schools that previously had little or no access to technology.
According to Adkins, the value of the support delivered during the six-day mission exceeded KSh 6 million, made possible through fundraising efforts undertaken before travelling to Kenya.
For many of the visitors, however, the greatest reward was not the donations but the connections they formed with the people they met.
Leanne Harrell-McCoy said the warm welcome they received from students left a lasting impression.
“The singing, dancing, and joy we experienced in the schools touched our hearts. Spending time with the children and learning about their daily lives is something I will carry with me forever,” she said.
Odessa (Dess) Perkins who runs a nonprofit organisation supporting at-risk youth and survivors of human trafficking, said the experience was deeply personal.
Having overcome difficult challenges in her own life, she felt a strong connection with many of the students she met.
“I came here hoping to inspire young people, but they ended up inspiring me. Seeing their resilience and determination has changed me, and I already want to come back,” Perkins said.
Von Thomas echoed similar sentiments, saying the experience had transformed the entire delegation.
“We came to impact the students, but they also impacted us. The relationship we have built with these communities is something we hope to continue for many years,” she said.
Sports also became a powerful tool for connection. Members of the delegation spent time playing basketball and other games with students while encouraging them to pursue their talents.
Kerry Thomas noted that supporting young athletes goes beyond providing equipment.
“It’s about building confidence, discipline, and hope for the future. Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces and watching them pursue their dreams is incredibly rewarding,” he said.
Through mentorship, education, humanitarian support, and genuine human connection, the initiative is helping to build brighter futures for young people while strengthening ties between communities in Kenya and supporters from around the world.
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