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.

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Community

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Collaboration

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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 adults who are potentially at risk for a variety of reasons. We aim to create a safe environment in which no adult 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

Social Media 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.

Umusalama Garukurebe

Umusalama Garukurebe

saÄ—Ä—da Project Lead

I am a dedicated youth with a degree from the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK) in Rwanda. My passion for women’s empowerment has driven me to work tirelessly to create opportunities for young women in my community. In a world, where traditional gender roles can often limit opportunities for women, I have been an advocate for breaking these barriers and fostering an environment of equality and growth. As the project lead for Teakisi’s saÄ—Ä—da initiative, I am eager to bring my experience and passion to a wider audience. I am committed to advancing women’s empowerment and look forward to contributing to one of the ongoing mission of Teakisi, supporting women in achieving their fullest potential.

Dr Daniel Jefferson

Dr Daniel Jefferson

MBBS, MRCGP, MMedEd, SFHEA. Associate, Former Chair & Director

I’m GP Lecturer at Newcastle University and have worked as a doctor with NEAS during the COVID-19 crisis. My interest lie in Mental Health (as a generalist) with training in CBT. Having studied health inequalities since 1995, I feel particularly strongly about how unjust they are and how they limit people so unfairly.

I am a proud dad to two daughters, a step-son and partner of Salha Kaitesi – we live between Newcastle and Northumberland. I enjoy boxing, reading and lots of vinyl (also, I’m a part time DJ!)

Dr Claire Ogah

Dr Claire Ogah

Digital Artist & 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. 

Chanttelle Gillies

Chanttelle Gillies

Designer & 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.

Maya Xian

Maya Xian

Volunteer

Volunteering with Teakisi, I am dedicated to ensuring that minoritised communities are able to share moments and have spaces where they feel able to express emotions in all their colours. 

Graduating from SOAS University of London and the University of Leicester, I have gained a deep and specialised understanding of history and politics, continuously striving to decolonise my world view. My academic career has fueled my passion for networking and collaboration, driving my commitment to empower and focus on inclusion within minoritised communities. 

As a freelancer in marketing, I leverage my skills to uplift and support our communities, advocating for visibility, representation and amplification of experiences and stories that foster inclusive spaces. 

 

Amarah Irfan

Amarah Irfan

Intern

Hi, my name is Amarah Irfan and I am a business management student currently studying at Northumbria University. I am excited to be given the opportunity to work alongside Teakisi and to partake in the new initiative, saėėda, as a student consultant.
I believe what Teakisi is doing is great with empowering women and making a positive change in society. When I am away from studying and working, I enjoy playing badminton and going on walks in scenic places.

 

Emma Davy

Emma Davy

Intern

Hi, I am an Economics and Finance student at Northumbria University. I am deeply passionate about female empowerment and equity, and I am excited to contribute my skills and knowledge to Teakisi’s new initiative- saėėda. This incredible social enterprise presents a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change and create a lasting impact within the community. I look forward to collaborating with like-minded individuals who share a vision for social progress and to applying my expertise in economics and finance to support  and enhance the initiative’s success.
Shazia Noor

Shazia Noor

Intern

Hey, I am a business Managment student at Northumbria university. I look forward to working alongside Teakisi on their brand initiative; saėėda. This initiative presents a unique opportunity to create a positive impact in the community. Collaborating with a team that shares a passion for social change and women empowerment is inspiring and I believe that the knowledge and skills from ASAE solutions can lead to positive change for Teasiki’s future. My ambition is to be a part of a creative workplace that allows opportunities for international business cultural empowerment; traveling the world whilst enhancing my professional expertise in the world of business.

 

Aisha Nadeem

Aisha Nadeem

Intern

Hi, I’m Aisha Nadeem, a Marketing student at Northumbria University and a student consultant for Teakisi. I’m thrilled to be part of Teakisi’s new initiative, saėėda, as it allows me to contribute to women’s empowerment while advocating for sustainability. 

 

Hyacenthe Micomyiza

Hyacenthe Micomyiza

Barista & Retail Assistant at saÄ—Ä—da

Hi, I have developed a passion for learning about different tastes and aromas of food and drink. For the past three years, I have been refining my skills, experimenting with different roasts and brewing techniques to create the perfect cup.

Beyond the saÄ—Ä—da, I am an avid reader, always eager to explore new worlds through the pages of a book. I am also a strong communicator and enjoy swimming, discovering new places with friends, and listening to music. I am always up for a good conversation and a new adventure!

Mariam Uwimana

Mariam Uwimana

Barista & Retail Assistant at saÄ—Ä—da

Hi! I’m a passionate barista with two years of experience crafting delicious coffee, which is how I became part of Teakisi’s Saėėda initiative.

I love the art of latte art and the satisfaction of creating the perfect cup. When I’m not behind the counter, you’ll find me exploring new coffee shops. I’m also a big fan of hiking, various sports, and spending time outdoors.

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.