Global Hearts Volunteers network

About Us

Mama Risper Ayub

Founder, Cannan Orphanage | Co-Founder, Global Hearts Volunteers

About Me

Rooted in the vibrant Kisumu Ndogo community of Mombasa, my journey of service began with a simple desire to bring comfort and support to those most in need. In 2010, I started volunteering under the Aphia II project, guiding and counselling women whose husbands had died of HIV/AIDS. What began as quiet conversations soon turned into a calling—I opened my home to orphans whose parents had succumbed to the disease, offering them not just shelter, but a family and a sense of hope. This experience inspired me to found Cannan Orphanage in 2011, now a registered self-help project recognized by the Kenyan District Gender & Social Development Office. Cannan Orphanage is more than a home; it is a sanctuary where children receive care, education, and a chance to dream beyond their circumstances. We file annual financial reports, ensuring transparency and accountability in all we do.

Global Hearts Volunteers

As a dedicated member of the Global Hearts Volunteers network, I have the privilege of collaborating with a diverse team of changemakers, working together to address the urgent needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. My involvement extends beyond the walls of the orphanage—participating in initiatives that uplift women, support health and wellness, and champion the rights of orphans and widows throughout the community. Through Global Hearts, I am actively engaged in programs such as:

Guidance & Counselling: Providing mentorship and emotional support for widows and young women.
Orphan Support: Creating safe, nurturing environments and advocating for access to education and healthcare.
Community Empowerment: Leading grassroots efforts that foster self-reliance and resilience for women and families affected by HIV/AIDS.
Health Awareness: Supporting community campaigns around HIV/AIDS prevention and care.

My Approach

I believe that real change happens one relationship at a time. By listening first, then acting with compassion and persistence, I have been able to walk alongside children and women as they rebuild their lives. I strive to ensure every child and mother who enters my home leaves with renewed hope, dignity, and a belief in their own potential.

Vision & Impact

My dream is simple: that every child and widow in my community finds a place to belong, a voice to be heard, and an opportunity to thrive. Through Cannan Orphanage and Global Hearts Volunteers, I am committed to nurturing not just individuals, but a community where love and possibility are never in short supply. My work is fueled by faith, resilience, and the unwavering belief that even the smallest act of kindness can transform a life.