Mizizi Stories Series: Voices from Our Journey
As Mizizi Elimu Afrika steps into a new chapter through its rebrand and refreshed strategy , we reflect not only on where we are going, but also on the journeys that have shaped who we are today.
Our people are at the heart of this story. Through their growth, transitions, and contributions, Mizizi has continued to evolve into a learning, adaptive, and purpose-driven organisation.
In this piece, one of our longest-serving team members Beria Wawira shares her journey over the past eight years, a journey that mirrors Mizizi’s own path of learning, unlearning, and transformation.
I joined Zizi Afrique Foundation (now Mizizi Elimu Afrika) in February 2018. At the time, our office was set in a maisonette along Brookside Drive, a two-storey residential space that felt more like a home than a workplace. We were a small team, comfortably fitting into a four-bedroom space, and while the office was always lively, it was never crowded.
What stood out most to me from those early days was the strong sense of community. We shared lunches, laughed often, and spoke openly about our lives, the good days, the difficult ones, and everything in between. Fridays came with our “thinning” sessions, where we would gather, unwind, and conect beyond our roles. It felt less like working with colleagues and more like being part of a family.
From Procurement to Possibility
At the time, I worked as a Procurement Officer, supporting programmes to run efficiently. I genuinely enjoyed the role, negotiating with vendors and securing value was both a challenge and a thrill.
Then COVID-19 changed everything.
Like many others, we had to adjust quickly to a new way of working. Procurement needs reduced significantly, and I found myself with more time, and honestly, some uncertainty about where I fit in this new reality.
But looking back, that moment also reflects something important about Mizizi: the space to grow, shift, and explore new paths.
Rather than stay still, I stepped into something new. I began mentoring young people and shared my interest with the Ujana 360 team, almost like a quiet hope that an opportunity might come up.
And it did.
When I was asked if I would like to try youth work, I was surprised, but I said yes. It was a completely new direction for me professionally, yet it felt natural. I have always had a passion for working with young people.
Walter and Renaldah welcomed me with open arms. They were patient, generous, and supportive as I learned. What I did not expect was to discover something that excited me just as much, if not more than procurement.
Walking Alongside Young People
Through the youth programme, I had the opportunity to work closely with young people as they took steps toward building their futures. That experience was deeply fulfilling, and together, we even surpassed our initial targets.
Along the way, Tenda Wema , Mizizi’s CSR initiative, became a big part of my journey. This programme supports scholars who are often overlooked by mainstream scholarship opportunities, and it quickly became work that is very close to my heart.
I have seen this initiative grow in ways I could not have imagined from organising Sara’s Cup in 2021 and raising KES 70,000, to mobilising KES 5.4 million in 2025. What started with just two scholars in Sanye, Lamu County, has now reached 118 scholars across 13 counties.
But beyond the numbers, it is the stories that matter.
Walking alongside these young people, from primary school through to tertiary education and into placements, has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey. Watching them grow, overcome challenges, and continue to believe in their potential is something I carry with me every day
Growing With Mizizi
As Mizizi has grown, I have grown with it.
When the organisation expanded its focus to include gender, I found myself stepping into that space as well. Learning, contributing, and being part of a journey to build a more gender-transformative organisation. That journey is still ongoing, and I am proud to be part of it.
In 2026, I stepped into resource mobilization, yet another opportunity to learn and stretch myself. If anything, my journey here has taught me that growth is not always linear, but it is always possible.
More Than a Workplace
For me, Mizizi Elimu Afrika is more than just a workplace, it is a place I call home.
It is where every opinion matters, where every voice is heard, and where people genuinely care about one another and about the impact of the work we do.
I am especially grateful for the people who have shaped my journey, and for the skills I have gained along the way. One of the most valuable has been relationship building and collaboration, skills that now position me well as I contribute to Mizizi’s growing private sector and corporate partnerships.
Looking Ahead
As we step into this new chapter as Mizizi Elimu Afrika Vison 2040 strategy, I find myself both grateful and excited.
Grateful for the journey so far, for the lessons, the growth, and the people.
And excited for what lies ahead, for myself, and for the organisation.
If my journey reflects anything, it is this: Mizizi is a place where you are allowed to grow, to evolve, and to become.
And for that, I am truly grateful.
Karibu Mizizi Elimu Afrika.
Beria Wawira is the Coordinator Private and Corporate Partnerships at Mizizi Elimu Afrika
