The FWI Family
Meet our amazing Team
Jade Louise "Atieno" O'Brien
Director
Jade Louise "Atieno" is a mental health and youth work professional who founded FWI in 2011 when she was teaching English & Life Skills in Kisumu County, Kenya.
FWI was initially created to provide cultural exchange and English practice for Kenyan secondary school students and quickly expanded to include health and sexual education programs and other training to help young people sustain their health, wellbeing and education.
Atieno is passionate about empowering young people and their communities through sharing knowledge, building skills and awareness and strengthening communities.
Atieno also delivers programs in Kenya and is Chair of the Board of Trustees in Australia
Moses Otieno Miruka
Programs Manager
Moses Miruka is an incredibly passionate Social Worker who has been part of FWI since 2014.
Moses has experience working in charities across Kenya, to support young people, families and communities in need.
Moses facilitates programs across FWI's six focus areas, coordinates volunteers and ensures our supports are sustainable, effective and meaningful.
Moses has adapted FWI programs through COVID-19 and other challenges, to create opportunities for support to reach those who need it most.
Moses is a dedicated husband, father and community member and the heart & soul of FWI.
Kym Eley
Deputy Director
Kym Eley has been involved with Freedom Write Inc. since 2014, initially joining the I LEAP program. Kym built incredible connections with Kenyan students and visited them in Kisumu in 2015.
Kym has volunteered across different FWI programs in Kenya and Australia, and has been an integral part of FWI Fundraisers including Cruise for Kenya.
Kym is a business owner in Australia, sponsoring FWI's work for several years.
Kym is in his second term as Deputy Director of FWI.
David Shilton
Treasurer
Dave Shilton has been an active member of FWI since the very beginning, in 2011. Dave is also a musician, stonemason, builder, landscaper, psych-nurse, gardener, husband, parent and grandparent. Dave is passionate about reaching out and connecting people of other social settings and cultures and encouraging education, communication, spiritual and psychological growth and independent economic wellbeing.Dave loves the fact that FWI is humble, organic and direct, with minimal overheads and infrastructure, eabling real, meaningful connections.
Grace Ciaramella
Grace is a mental health nurse and has held several positions on the FWI Board and as a volunteer since FWI's inception in 2011. Grace is passionate about education and the opportunities it gives to make informed decisions that can better a person's life. From basic information about hygiene, to communication skills and relationship development, FWI helps to encourage young people towards positive changes.
Board Member, Aus
Chris Jewel
Board Member, Aus
Chris Jewel has been a volunteer and Board Member for Freedom Write Inc. since the beginning. Chris is a social worker in Melbourne, passionate about supporting young people with mental health challenges to access the support they need and reach their full potential.
Chris has volunteered in FWI's programs in Kenya and Australia.
Samuel Beshai
Board Member, Aus
Sam has been a long-time supporter of Freedom Write Inc. and is passionate about supporting young people to create opportunities for themselves and develop skills for life.
Sam has been part of the development of all 6 FWI programs, including SEED.
George Alambo
Board Member, Kenya
George has extensive experience in the NGO sector as a project management specialist.
George has been supporting FWI for several years, including as a board Member, to continue giving back to the Kenyan community.
Dave
Odeny
Board Member, Kenya
Dave is a marketing specialist with a passion for helping others.
Dave has supported FWI through his work for several years and volunteered in various FWI programs.
Dave is a member of the Board of Directors in Kenya.
Dr. Jade Abuga
Board Member, Kenya
Jade is an experienced health professional who has joined the FWII Board of Directors in 2023. Jade has been volunteering with FWII in Kenya for a number of years and is incredibly passionate about empowering young people sustainably.
Shadrack Ochieng
Board Member, Kenya
Shadrack has joined the FWI Board of Directors in 2023, but has been volunteering with FWI for several years.
Shadreck is a devoted father who is passionate about education and mentoring for young people, and equipping them with life skills for their future. Shadrack co-facilitates our HASE program.
Augustine Opiyo
Board Member, Kenya
Augustine is one of the original students involved with FWI in 2011. Augustine joined the FWI Board of Directors as a peer representative after finishing high school.
Augustine has completed studies in Building and Construction and is an active member in his community.
Augustine is passionate about ensuring FWI's programs continue supporting young people in need.
Dr. Royronald Ongonga
Board Member, Kenya
Royronald is a passionate FWII volunteer who has joined the FWI Board of Directors in 2023.
Royronald has a wealth of experience supporting community initiatives and is looking forward to contributing his skills to the team, to support FWI's vision.