RCA’s mission is to support children with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing a therapeutic, exceptional, educational and vocational program to maximize their skills and increase independence. Raeye Technology Center is also focused on advancing equity in computer science and STEM education by inspiring and empowering K-12 students by implementing Inclusive learning environment to empower kids with special needs across the U.S. by using virtual environment
RCA aims to equip children with the skills they need to succeed in school, develop strong careers, and become active members of their communities. In pursuit of this goal, the organization has established the Raeye Technology program. This program focuses on advancing equity in computer science and STEM education for K-12 students. This initiative aims to inspire and empower students with special needs through an inclusive learning environment that utilizes virtual technology.
Tsige Tessema is the visionary founder and president of Raeye Children Aid (RCA), who holds an unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child has access to top-notch education. Armed with a Master's degree in cyber-security and extensive experience as a project manager at the Organization for Women in Self-Employment (WISE) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tsige's expertise as a network engineer. However, it is her passion for inclusivity in society, particularly for special needs students, that drives her forward. Despite not having any special needs children or relatives, Tsige firmly believes that empathy and compassion know no boundaries. Her ultimate goal is to empower these remarkable children to lead fulfilling lives, proving that everyone deserves an equal chance at success. Through RCA Tsige envisions a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
My name is Samson T. Agidie I’m an expert in the IT field over 15 years of experience specializing in network engineer, access control, Cyber security in IT OT, and system administrations. When I heard about RCA from a friend and wanted to do my part, specially when I see and heard about children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I can imagine how hard it is for parents to keep them safe, and feeding could be a very big challenge, that’s why I say, I should help and do my part to change their lifestyle at least. If we work together, we can change millions of lives who are in so many problems.
Samrawit Woldeab is the Secretary and Events coordinator at Raeye Children Aid. She is a Systems Analyst, who earned a dual degree from George Mason university in Accounting and Information System & Operations Management. She also received her Master’s degree in Cybersecurity from George Mason University. Her passion lies in getting involved and providing support in humanitarian works. Her interest to be part of Raeye Children Aid evolved after she had learned about the intellectually disabled children that the founder Tsige Tessema was helping. Currently she serves as a secretary and as an event coordinator, whom had coordinated multiple fundraising events along with other board members and raised funds for the beneficiares.
Tewodros Kasahun is the Treasurer at Raeye Children Aid.Tewodros oversees all aspects of the foundations finances, including management of budgets and preparation of financial statements. As his main carrier, he is java developer who earnerd his degree in computer science from Towson University. He has worked in different companies in this role.He believes kids with learning disabilities need encouragement, and support to build positive reinforcement to help them ensure that they can emerge with a strong sense of self-worth, confidence, and determination when things are tough.
Blain Mulugeta-Jackson is the Public Relation and fundraising of Raeye Children Aid. She is a licenced Realtor in the DMV area. Also holds a degree in Hotel Restaurant Management from George Brown College in Toronto, Canada. Blain, born in Ethiopia raised in Canada, now resides in the DMV area. She is passionate about helping people and she is involved in several humanitarian groups. Her interest to help dissabled children has always been in her heart, after Tsige Tessema (the founder of RCA), reached out to her, she did not hesitate to get involved, to help dissabled children here in the U.S. and Ethiopia. Currently she works alongside Tsige, conducting coding class, graduation, as being the host, leading and motivating donors to help with this great cause. Blain believes all RCA children are gifted and instead of concentrating on their disabilities she wants to help them shine in everything they do!!
Abebech Zewdie is the accountant at Raeye Children Aid (RCA) with a Bachelor Degree in Accounting from George Mason University. She brings with her a wealth of experience and has worked in government, education, public and private sectors. Abebech has always been passionate about helping under privileged children and seniors
Rekik Tesfaye Tilahun is the Education Director at RCA, with over two decades of experience in the Information Technology field. With a Master's degree in Business Education, she skillfully blends her extensive training background to empower and create positive change for intellectually disabled students. Her unwavering passion for helping others shines through as she incorporates inclusive teaching practices, making a profound impact within our community. With Rekik leading the way, RCA continues to strive for a more inclusive and transformative educational experience for all.
Mahlet Assefa is married and a mother of three beautiful children. She is well known in the DMV area for her humanitarian activities. She worked with multiple Humanitarian organizations like Mekedonia and Kidist Mariam Senior organization(representative for USA). She is a graduate of Global International college with Associate degree in Catering and Hospitality. She is also a graduate of Ultimate Health College, Virginia. She specialized in Data Base Management and Web Developer
Born in Addis Ababa and as a son of Ethiopian Airlines parents, grew up in Kenya and Tanzania. I am also a dad to 2 wonderful kids! I currently work as an IT professional with the State Dept but my passion for music as a hobby has helped me work with different organizations and I joined RCA after seeing what the RCA team was doing towards supporting kids with special needs in Ethiopia and USA .This was very dear to my heart and I will always be there to support in any means!
My number one principle in life is to give more than I take. I strive to help others without having any sort of agenda. I simply want to make the world a better place, even through small acts of kindness, and found my dream through joining Raeye Children aid. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of the team.
Ayida Abate advises Raeye Children on communications and social media. She has an MBA from the University of Greenwich and an undergraduate dual degree in International Relations and Women's Studies from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Ayida's passion for storytelling and helping people has led her to join multiple nonprofit organizations and volunteer opportunities. Ayida is committed to RCA's mission to provide access to children who have intellectual disabilities with opportunities and a better future.
Endale Guluma is the ambassador for Raeye Children Aid. Endale completed his bachelor's degree in Business Management at Haramaya University. After moving to America, Endale has worked in a vast variety of industries and organizations in very different roles. Endale is also the owner and director of Yemar productions and Lale Kids Tv. Endales was chosen as ambassador for Raeye Children Aid was because he has embraced and employed wholeheartedly the values, vision, and mission of the Raeye Children Aid.
Children have their own aspirations, needs, challenges, and opportunities. Children with special needs and intellectual disabilities are often misunderstood and sidelined by society while facing difficult challenges. Raeye Children Aid has been consistently working to cultivate and materialize their hopes and dreams, make their life easier and joyful, and make their world a better place. It is heartwarming and gratifying to support this initiative that is focused on understanding and helping the children to be the best that they can ever be.
I am Yoab Debebe Zewdie, a certified game developer from Whitehat JR, who volunteers to teach coding to special needs kids at RCA. I have been volunteering since the summer of 2019. Currently, I am 11 years old and in the 5th grade at Laurel Hill Elementary School. I want to volunteer because my mother is a great inspiration to me, and I want to follow in her footsteps in RCA. Additionally, I enjoy sharing my knowledge with children who may not have the means to access such knowledge on their own.
Lale Maru is the youngest volunteer in RCA. Lale was able to raise $4000 by making her birthday as a no gifts party and insisting her guests not to bring her presents but instead to contribute a donation to the Raeye Children Aid. Lale has set out to make a real difference in the life of other less fortunate children's at a very young age. Raeye Children Aid is very grateful to have such an amazing hero by its side
Daniel is a compassionate individual who has always had a deep passion for helping others. He has spent years supporting various organizations and individuals in a multitude of ways, always going above and beyond to make a difference in people's lives without expecting anything in return. It was during this journey that Daniel discovered RCA, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children with special needs and their families. Without hesitation, Daniel joined RCA's mission to bring about positive change in the lives of those who needed it most. As a tireless advocate for children with special needs, Daniel's dedication and passion shine through in everything he does. He works tirelessly to achieve RCA's vision and is committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of these children and their families. Through his selflessness and unwavering commitment, Daniel has become an invaluable asset to RCalA and the wider community.
