OUR STAFF

In order to truly empower the locals in Kenya and to best understand the needs of the community, our goal is for all of our programs in Kenya to be led by Kenyans.  The folks on our team do an amazing job of pouring out passion into the people we serve in each program.

Meet Our Kenyan Team:

Naomi Madaga, Administrative Director

Amy Back, Organization Director

Naomi has worked at Grain of Rice Project for nearly 10 years in various capacities. She currently serves as our office manager, handling  accounting and human resources for Grain of Rice Academy.  Naomi has a servant’s heart, works very hard to make all our programs run successfully behind the scenes, and always contributes fresh ideas.  

Amy started Grain of Rice Project with her sister, Ashley in 2013. Since then, the organization has grown into a full time school. Amy helps train teachers in hands-on learning and literacy methods, as well as helping with school programing, fundraising, and marketing. Amy loves traveling, coffee, and believes that all students deserve an opportunity to receive a great education, no matter their background. 

Additionally, Grain of Rice has 13 teachers who help students throughout the day, as well as 3 teachers who stay with students after school and help with students who board.

There are 9 additional staff overseeing kitchen, grounds, garden, landscaping, custodial, and security staff. 

U.S. Based Operations:

Rose Roberts, Inventory and Sales Manager

Rose is our stateside inventory and sales manager. Originally from Pennsylvania, Rose and her family now live in Brookville, Indiana. Rose has a background in education and helped to develop our mid-level English curriculum used at Grain of Rice Academy. She visited Kenya in 2011 while in graduate school and came to see Grain of Rice Academy in 2024.  She has a passion for helping those around her thrive in their day to day lives.