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Empowering Older Persons in Africa
ABOUT US
Suqoon was founded with a promise to care for, respect, and amplify the voices of elderly persons. They are the core of who we are and what we do. Suqoon is dedicated to providing comprehensive social protection, support, and advocacy services for Older Persons across Kenya. Suqoon’s mission extends beyond immediate assistance to effecting systemic change through policy, advocacy, and legislative initiatives, ensuring the inclusion of older persons' rights.
Over the past year, Suqoon has been involved in numerous initiatives. These include:
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Partnering with the Government to develop the Older person’s Bill and draft a sensitization booklet on older persons.
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Commemorating international days that highlight the elderly.
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Collaborating with various homes for older persons to facilitate renovations, provide upkeep and food, and secure essential supplies like medication and clothes, thereby creating comfortable and dignified living spaces.
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Supporting and coordinating with other stakeholder organizations to amplify efforts in addressing the challenges faced by the elderly and advocating for change, recognizing the importance of community involvement.
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Medical camps and sponsored medical check-ups.
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Distributions of food, and non-perishable items in various counties in Kenya.
At Suqoon, we uphold the belief that every older person is entitled to a life characterized by dignity, vitality, and prosperity. We invite you to join us in our endeavor to foster environments and opportunities that empower Older Persons to pursue and achieve what they hold most dear. Together, let us work towards a world where every older person not only survives but thrives
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A world where every older person is valued and supported to thrive.
OUR VISION AND MISSION
Our vision is a world where every older person is valued and supported to thrive.
Our mission is to enhance the quality of life and well-being of Older Persons.
Our mission is driven by four contextual issues impacting the lives of older persons: the rapid demographic transition, changing social structures, the climate crisis, and policy, legislation, and governance on Older Persons.
Our Core Values
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Empathy
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Professionalism
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Accountability
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Transparency
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Reliability
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Impactful
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Inclusiveness
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Innovative
At Suqoon, we believe that every older person deserves to live a life of dignity, vibrancy, and prosperity. Join us on this journey to create environments and opportunities that enable Older Persons to be and do what they value the most. Together, let's build a world where every older person thrives!
A MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDER
Shakira Khawaja
"Suqoon exists to remind us of the joys of ageing. We believe that older persons deserve to live dignified and respectful lives".
The term, Suqoon is an Arabic term, symbolizing peace and tranquility. When we think of peace, it encompasses important elements like respect, attention, compassion, kindness, and love. Tranquillity evokes a sense of inner calmness we all aspire to experience for meaningful and fulfilling lives.
After all, is said and done, don't we all want to experience this in our later years? This is why at Suqoon we are driven by the passion to create environments where older persons can and are enabled to thrive. Be it in their personal homes, communities and even the homes for the aged.
We partner with diverse organizations across different sectors to create awareness on the many issues faced by our older persons.
Latest Projects
Suqoon Collaborates with Partners to Empower Older Adults in Kola,
Machakos County
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Imaan Khawaja
Imaan Khawaja is a dedicated student and passionate advocate for charity with a lifelong commitment to making a difference. Imaan has demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills and leadership qualities as a student and professional, driving impactful initiatives that empower communities.
With her innate ability to connect people, Imaan is pivotal in fostering collaboration and driving positive change at SUQOON. Outside of her academic pursuits, Imaan is the founder of the Cheka Cheka Foundation, through which she organizes impactful initiatives such as food drives and medical camps, showcasing her unwavering dedication to social responsibility and community engagement.
Her multifaceted expertise and passion for philanthropy make her an invaluable asset to the SUQOON team, leading transformative initiatives that empower and uplift older persons in Kenya.
Gabriele Nowak
Gabriele, born and bred in Austria, moved to Kenya in 1995. This beautiful and mesmerizing country captured her heart and soul and she started her own Tour Company in 1997, offeringcspecial Interest Safaris.
Along with that though came her heart for philanthropy and wildlife ! She worked with an Italian Mission initially in her free time to build water stations, toilets in Korogocho Slums, St John’s School as well as Kibera Slums. In addition, containers with medicine & clothes were brought from Austria for distribution to the children of St. John’s and she helped to raise money for their daily meal.
As she built the business in Tourism, she grew conscious of the fact that our Kenyan children never have the opportunity nor finance to visit our own beautiful and stunning wildlife Parks. Therefore, Gabriele started to organize short Day trips and Tours to some of our National Parks! This grew to 80 + children and teachers on a single tour and is a highlight for the children that they never forget. So much that it changes their perspective of life and gives them hope for the future and an understanding of their outstanding heritage.
An investment was later made into running various Lodges and Camps and within that many projects that would aid both communities and help to protect our wildlife / support conservation were formed.
During the Covid time Gabriele founded Community Wildlife Conservation (CWC) which focuses on various activities in different protected areas in Kenya such as Samburu, Lumo Community & Wildlife Conservancy and the Maasai Mara and its surroundings. IT centers were built, rain water systems installed for schools, plastic clean ups and recycling in return for school text books organized as well as sponsorships for underprivileged girls for courses in a Tourism college were started. The long term goal is to train, teach skill & make the girls employable in the Tourism industry.
Gabriele has known Shakira, the Suqoon Founder for many years on a personal basis. Since the idea of Suqoon was born, she realized and understood the passion and compassion Shakira has always held for the elderly in society.
Indeed, what greater purpose could one strive for than to leave a lasting, positive imprint on the lives of those in need?
Bakate Hall
Bakate Hall is a finance and operations professional with over 20 years of experience in strategic financial and operations leadership. Her career has been defined by a keen ability to orchestrate financial strategies that drive organizational success, optimize budgeting processes, and establish robust financial and operations systems and processes in profit and not-for-profit companies.
With a strong background in steering financial clarity, she excels at streamlining reporting structures and fostering robust relationships with key stakeholders. In addition to her experience, Ms. Hall has enriched her experience through several leadership positions. She is well-versed in guiding organizations through transitions, crafting innovative structures, and ensuring that legal exposures are effectively managed.
Dr. Samuel Ayora Siringi
Dr. Samuel Ayora Siringi, PhD, is a senior lecturer at the University of Nairobi's Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. With over 14 years of newsroom experience, including roles as Editor at the Nation Media Group, he brings a wealth of expertise to his academic position.
Dr. Siringi holds a Ph.D. in Communication Studies, and a Master of Arts
in Population Studies, and has received various awards for his contributions to journalism. He is highly regarded for his strategic communications, public relations, and research consultancy work, focusing on education, health, and social sectors.
Dr. Siringi's international experience includes reporting on the 2008 US elections, and he has provided communications support for significant education reforms in Kenya. He is also recognized for his publications in reputable journals and his supervision of postgraduate students.
Overall, Dr. Siringi's diverse background and accomplishments underscore his significant contributions to academia and the field of communication.
THE ADVISORIES
Meet the Team
Cecilia Mbaka
Cecilia is a social protection specialist and development professional with more than 25 years of experience, including working with the government of Kenya. In her previous role, she focused on driving policy and legislative advancements in social protection, providing advisory services to the government, and overseeing the design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and coordination of social protection programs in Kenya.
Notable achievements during her tenure include spearheading the development of the National Policy for Older Persons, creating guidelines for running older person’s homes, and initiating Kenya’s cash transfer program for older persons and Persons with Disabilities. She played a crucial role in the establishment of the Social Registry, a significant government project aimed at consolidating data on impoverished individuals to facilitate targeted interventions.
Cecilia has collaborated closely with various partners, including UNICEF, WFP, ILO, and FCDO, to strengthen linkages in social protection initiatives. She has also actively engaged in international forums, presenting papers on social protection and contributing to discussions on developing an International Convention on older persons. Recognized for her impactful work, she was honored with a Head of State Commendation in 2017.
Her expertise spans social protection systems, strategic planning, disability inclusion, research, monitoring and evaluation, capacity development, and project management.
THE PROJECT CO-ORDINATORS
Meet the Team
Martha Nasike Kisaka
Martha, programme coordinator, leverages her diverse background in Sales, Event
Management, Marketing, CSR, and Cultural immersion to fuel her role as Programme Coordinator at Suqoon. Thriving in hands-on environments, she embraces the challenges of fieldwork and enjoys connecting with the community.
Having spent most of her career in the for-profit sector, Martha finds Suqoon a fulfilling opportunity to give back. She deeply resonates with Suqoon's vision, which emphasizes the importance of living a life filled with purpose, especially in our later years.
Martha sees Suqoon as a crucial step towards making our golden years enjoyable and meaningful.
Misbah Shakeel
Meet Misbah, a project coordinator and dedicated medical student deeply committed to improving healthcare access. Her involvement with Suqoon showcases her blend of medical expertise, compassion, and research skills.
Misbah played a vital role in organizing Suqoon's inaugural medical camp in Ngare Ngiro, reflecting her hands-on commitment to community health. Her research contributions ensure that Suqoon's programs are evidence-based and impactful, aiming to enhance the well-being of older persons.
Misbah's genuine advocacy for Suqoon's mission highlights her genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of older persons.
Maryam Hamisi
Maryam Hamisi, a project coordinator and a graduate in Public Administration & Leadership, is a dedicated member of Suqoon, driven by a passion for public service and community development.
With a solid academic background, Maryam navigates the complexities of her
role with expertise and skill. Her aspirations extend beyond her current position, aiming to become an ambassador to represent and serve her community globally, fostering positive diplomatic relations and impactful change.
In her role at Suqoon, Maryam actively engages in social work by conducting hands-on assessments of individuals in need, ensuring personalized and compassionate care tailored to their unique circumstances. She believes in
the power of personal connections, building trust and understanding within the community.
Maryam's meticulous approach to initial assessments ensures that Suqoon's initiatives address each person’s specific needs, reflecting her commitment to thorough and empathetic support.
SOCIAL MEDIA & MARKETING
Meet the Team
Ysabelle Hall
Ysabelle Hall, a member of the social media team, possesses a Bachelor of Law Degree (LLB) from the University of Kent. Leveraging her background in legal internships, she strategically transitioned into marketing, earning a Master’s in Marketing and Management for Luxury Tourism from Les Roches Global Hospitality Education.
With a lifetime commitment to humanitarian causes, Ysabelle directs her expertise towards creating impactful content for Suqoon, thriving in collaborative environments dedicated to effecting positive global change.
At Suqoon, she plays a role in shaping Suqoon’s digital presence and facilitating its transition phase, notably contributing to the launch of social media channels. Beyond digital platforms, Ysabelle's contributions extend to the creation of diverse brochures and her involvement as a content creator for different events.
Mikail Muthomi
Mikail Muthom, a member of the social media team, is a committed student and dynamic advocate for living vibrantly and embracing holistic well-being. With a deep-rooted passion for health and vitality cultivated through his dedication to combat sports, Mikail embodies the essence of SUQOON's theme. Mikail's commitment to personal wellness resonates with the core values of SUQOON, as he strives to empower others to live their best lives.
In addition to his passion for health, Mikail possesses a keen understanding of social media outreach, leveraging digital platforms to amplify SUQOON's message and reach a wider audience. His collaborative nature and ability to work well in teams make him a valuable asset, fostering a supportive environment where ideas flourish and initiatives thrive.
Mikail's skill in articulating ideas and natural writing ability further enhance his contributions, allowing him to craft compelling narratives that resonate with online audiences, driving engagement and awareness for SUQOON's cause. With his multifaceted skill set and unwavering dedication, Mikail is poised to make a meaningful contribution to SUQOON's mission of promoting vibrant living for all.
THE DIRECTORS
Meet the Team
Shakira Khawaja
Shakira Khawaja demonstrates how empathy and strategic action can drive positive change. By combining her expertise in strategy and finance with genuine compassion, she has made a significant impact on improving the lives of older persons in Kenya. Raised in a family committed to philanthropy, Shakira's early exposure to societal challenges, particularly affecting children and older persons, spurred her to establish Suqoon, an organization committed to the welfare of older persons.
Shakira's leadership, characterized by empathy and evidence-based practices, ensures tailored support for diverse communities. Over the last three decades, she has offered support to underprivileged families and children through academic sponsorships, shelter, regular upkeep, medical care, and mentorship.
Her diverse professional background, including roles at esteemed organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme and PricewaterhouseCoopers, enriches her approach to social change. Her advocacy for policy reforms and healthcare initiatives has significantly enhanced the well-being of countless elderly persons, demonstrating the power of individual commitment to fostering a more equitable world.
Jude Ocula Otogo
Jude O. Otogo is a seasoned Public Health Professional with over two decades of
experience in the nonprofit sector, operating at both sub-national and national levels within Kenya and the broader African region. He has collaborated with prestigious organizations such as Christian Mission Aid (CMA), Family Health International (FHI), International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), Care International (CI), University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB), HelpAge International, and the Ministry of Health in Kenya.
Jude's expertise spans management, research, and evaluation across various sectors including population aging, health, social protection, rights, advocacy, and humanitarian emergency programs.
Notable achievements include leading advocacy efforts for the ratification of the
Africa Union Protocol on the rights of older persons, spearheading the development of national strategies for healthy aging and dementia, and crafting strategic plans and policies for nonprofit organizations. He is also recognized as a prominent speaker on global platforms, sharing insights on population aging issues.
Jude is deeply committed to social equity and impact demonstrated through his engagement in strategic planning, organization capacity development, design thinking, evidence generation, and program evaluation.
Our Core Values
Professionalism
Impactful
Transparency
Inclusivity
At Suqoon, we believe that every older person deserves to live a life of dignity, vibrancy, and prosperity. Join us on this journey to create environments and opportunities that enable Older Persons to be and do what they value the most. Together, let's build a world where every older person thrives!
