Teakisi (pronounced Tea-key-sea) is a unique and award winning North East of England based Community Interest Company with a social enterprise element and charitable aims and services; incorporated as a CIC in 2020.

Community

Collaboration

Change

The need for our services was amplified during Covid-19, we empower marginalised people and the wider community through the provision of inspiring events, outreach engagements, digital skills programmes and regular get togethers for social inclusion.

We actively work to bridge inequalities and enhance diversity. Our work also sees us working together with different organisations to leverage collective strengths, resources, and perspectives to create lasting impact. Through our day to day work, we aim to dismantle barriers, empower marginalised communities, and foster a society that embraces diversity and equal opportunities for all.

We are an inclusive organisation, which means our services are open to everyone in the North East of England, Cumbria – England and Wales.  We also support a a percentage of others from the global community.

With our outreach programmes, we hope to educate, connect, engage, build a community spirit – while continously striving for social justice.

Individuals supported since inception

Blogs published

Years active

Social media followers

Safeguarding Policy Statement

In our work we meet many children, young people and adults who are potentially at risk for a variety of reasons. We aim to create a safe environment in which no one will experience harm or exploitation during their contact with us.

Our Team & Leadership

Our team brings a wealth of experience from their chosen fields – full of personality minus the ego. We are the wearer of many hats, dedicated to amplifying the voices of marginalised communities, and yours.

Salha Kaitesi

Salha Kaitesi

Founder, Artistic Director & Exec-Editor

I am a social entrepreneur, gender equality, empowerment champion and a self-taught blogger with multiple skills that I’ve acquired over the past 15 years. Fuelled by my passion for empowering and promoting African girls and women, their voices, equality and diversity, I consider myself a ‘forever student,’ eager to both build on my academic foundations in Sociology and Politics, while staying in tune with the latest digital and in person strategies that will amplify the voices of African women, my local community and those of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities.

When I am not all things Teakisi, you’ll catch me watching Thor: Ragnarok over and over again. Or is it Infinity War and End Game?

Rehma Muguyeneza

Rehma Muguyeneza

Director

I am a member of the Ishami Foundation which works towards bringing awareness of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis, in regards to my own personal experience with the Rwandan Genocide. I believe in amplifying the stories of the voiceless, taking pride and power in them. Over the years, I have developed strong skills in childcare while working as a teaching assistant. I am also passionate about bringing people together to collaborate in ways in which they can work towards a better community.

I am a proud mother of two children.

Sarah Umutoni

Sarah Umutoni

Director

I’m a child care worker with a 10 year old son. My earlier work experiences were in the tourism sector before caring for children and young people. My day-to-day work sees me getting involved in different selection of activities that stimulate the minds of young children.

I am a very organised person who enjoys going for walks, going out with friends, listening to music, swimming and watching action movies.

Hafsa Khatun

Hafsa Khatun

Operations Manager

I join Teakisi as the Operations Manager and look forward to amplifying as many diverse voices here in the North East and Cumbria. I have all my adult life been involved in many community projects, one of which which lead me to discover Teakisi! I also work as an advisor for mental health welfare – a job I have been doing many years. Its a job that gives me great pleasure and satisfaction helping clients who require that extra help.

When I’m not doing the above roles, I’m usually down the coast with my family, watching football, trying out new cuisines, immersing myself in history, visiting museums and getting in walks where I can with friends.

Beaton Mabaso

Beaton Mabaso

Content Creator for Heritage & Flair and Creative Residency Lead

I am a digital storyteller with over a decade of experience and self-taught skills in digital content creation.  I am an Award-winning blogger who writes about the beauty and chaos of the place I call home, Zimbabwe, a teapot-shaped country in southern Africa. My journey in storytelling traces back to my roots, listening to fables and folktales from my grandfather, which shaped my love for words and stories.

When I am not immortalising my thoughts on the blog Becoming The Muse, I am trying to help build and shape a community of African content creators boldly reclaiming their narrative. I am affectionately known as an Uncle of Bloggers in the Blogging Community where I serve as the Creative Director for Afrobloggers – an organisation that connects, promotes and educates bloggers of African descent.

Blaise P Niyibizi

Blaise P Niyibizi

saėėda Project Manager

I’m deeply committed to empowering people and contributing to meaningful change. It’s a privilege to be part of a passionate team dedicated to making a real difference in people’s lives. Over the years, my journey has been rooted in community development, working with organisations that uplift individuals and support them in reaching their full potential.

I’m excited to take on the role of Project Manager at saėėda, where I can continue to advocate for equity and hope. I truly believe that everyone deserves the chance to live a life filled with purpose and opportunity.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me enjoying quality time with loved ones or discovering new places to unwind and be inspired.

Chanttelle Gillies

Chanttelle Gillies

Associate

As the founder of Lexelina Designs, I am proud to be an associate of Teakisi, an organisation that aligns with my passion for community, empowerment, and cultural celebration. I actively support Teakisi’s work and participate in many of its events.

Through Lexelina Designs, I create bespoke garments with an Afro-fusion twist, blending cultural influences with modern fashion. My work ranges from special occasion outfits to embroidered t-shirts, sweatshirts, and artwork, each piece designed to tell a story and honour identity. Beyond fashion, I believe in using creativity as a tool for advocacy and empowerment, ensuring that the work I do not only makes people look good but also feel seen, represented, and valued.

Dr Claire Ogah

Dr Claire Ogah

Associate

I’m a self-taught digital artist, bespoke jewellery designer and PhD holder, women’s rights advocate and anti food poverty evangelist. I channel my passion into promoting gender equality and raising awareness about issues like gender-based violence. My interests span across social marketing, with a focus on celebrating and preserving black culture and identity. I have supported the work Teakisi does for quite sometime now as i believe in this cause. 

Catherine Del Tito

Catherine Del Tito

Volunteer

I’ve been fortunate to have played many roles in my life that gave me the resources to be able to give back to the world. I have been a corporate project manager and a freelance artist. I have held my families together; my birth family and my family with my grown daughter. I value connection and am happy to work with Teakisi who feel the same. 

Bosco Kwizera

Bosco Kwizera

Barista & Retail Assistant at saėėda

I’m a passionate barista who sees coffee as more than just a drink, it’s a story, a culture, and a way to connect with people. Working at saėėda has allowed me to refine my skills in both customer service and retail, while embracing the meaningful interactions that happen over a single cup.

With two years of hands-on experience, I’ve developed a strong attention to detail, whether it’s achieving the perfect espresso balance or crafting latte art that makes someone’s day. I’m always eager to share my knowledge, and I find constant inspiration in the way coffee brings together community, creativity and culture.

Being trusted by Teakisi to play this role is something I value deeply and I’m committed to honouring that trust by continuing to grow and give back in every way I can.

Michael Fagbore

Michael Fagbore

Volunteer

I’m energised by meeting new people, offering guidance where I can, and discovering new perspectives through travel. Helping others isn’t just something I do, it’s deeply woven into who I am.

Volunteering has been a lifelong passion of mine, and being part of Teakisi has not only been rewarding but has also played a vital role in helping me realise my aspirations. Outside of this, you’ll often find me on the football pitch, enjoying the game I love.

Caroline Burns

Caroline Burns

Volunteer

I am passionate about bringing communities together, locally and globally, to make new friends, and learn from our diverse cultural backgrounds to live more peacefully, respectfully and joyfully. I have a Doctorate in Education and my research aims to transform society through collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches to social issues, with justice, equity, diversity and inclusion at the core.

I’m a teacher in Social Sciences and Languages (Spanish and French) and I enjoy supporting students to thrive and reach their full potential. I’ve developed a wide range of knowledge and skills (interpersonal, teamwork, leadership, project management) through my work, which I am keen to share in a community setting, and to support the valuable work of Teakisi. I’m a mother of two and in my spare time I enjoy sports, music and travel.

Awards

Acknowlegement

Teakisi is a social enterprise – this means we are a business that exists primarily to fulfil a social purpose. We are not a charity, although from time to time we may obtain funding from grants, investments or a combination of both. On that note, we would like to express our gratitude for the funding/investment provided by the following organisations which greatly backed our initiatives and enabled us to make a meaningful impact.

Support Our Cause By Volunteering, Donating or Advocating.