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.
Samson T. Agidie is an expert in the IT field over 20 years of experience specializing in network engineer, access control, Cyber security in IT OT, and system administrations. Samson says, when I heard about RCA from a friend and wanted to do my part, especially 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 them every single day. This could be a very big challenge, that’s why he says, 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.
Kalkidan Tegenu is the Secretary at Raeye Children Aid. She holds a BS in Informatics and a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity, and is a licensed financial professional in multiple states. With a diverse professional background that includes experience in diplomatic settings, higher education, and the financial and healthcare sectors, Kalkidan brings extensive expertise to her role. She previously worked with Raeye Children Aid’s founder, Tsige Tessema, whose passion and vision deeply inspired her. Kalkidan has been committed to the cause since before the organization’s inception and has continued to support it in any way she can. Deeply passionate about making a difference in underserved communities, Kalkidan is dedicated to advancing Raeye Children Aid’s mission of empowering special needs children in Ethiopia, helping them build brighter futures through education and support.
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!
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 with a deep passion for helping others. After years of supporting various causes selflessly, he discovered RCA, a non-profit supporting children with special needs and their families. Daniel joined RCA’s mission with enthusiasm, becoming a dedicated advocate who tirelessly works to make a meaningful impact. His commitment and passion make him an invaluable asset to both Raeye Children Aid and the broader community.
My name is Rahel Demissie. I am married and have three wonderful sons. I am a certified Microsoft Database Administrator with a degree in Information Technology from Northern Virginia Community College. I joined RCA in 2019, inspired by its mission to support children with special needs.
