“Akiiki”
NGO-Director
Together with her late husband Jonas she fall in love with the region and decided to reside here. The plan was to build an Artist Residency based on their own experience travelling as a writer-painter-couple. After Jonas sudden death in 2019 Rayka decided to stay in Kyakataama.
Becoming a part of the community, which supported her in the time of loss, the studied anthropologist gained a deeper insight into the needs of the village. Out of that the idea of a Cultural Community Center grew up. Today Kyakataama is her home as well as the discussions and consultations with neighbors about their future, problems and daily life.
With the help of sponsors and volunteers she built a recreational park in the middle of the village as a community meeting point for every age and gender, an open air stage, Toondahouse as an office and volunteer/ youth accomodation, started a kitchen and is currently trying to get donations for a library.
„The vision is to work on a village of the future. We try to figure out what the members of our community really need to grow in a way that supports their very own village and pulls them out of poverty.“
About Rayka:
I am an author and activist. Since 2018, I have been working to promote art, education and social empowerment locally as the founder and director of the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Toonda Cultural Community Center in the village of Kyakataama, Uganda. My involvement focuses on improving the lives of the villagers and providing them with tools for self-development and poverty alleviation. Toonda’s work is a response to the concrete needs of the community, who actively approach us with their ideas.
My role as NGO Director:
In my position, I manage the Toonda Cultural Community Centre. My focus is on initiating and implementing cultural projects, providing space for diverse groups, organising festivals such as YoungTalents shows etc., artist exchanges and educational projects. We offer women’s groups space and inspiration. From the “Shining Girls” girls’ club to tailoring, catering, basket weaving and learning groups, the women at Toonda continue their education. The construction of a library, a theatre stage, a volleyball court and a cooking area in an outdoor park are part of our efforts to create structures to provide space for the needs of the community, promote self-help groups and strengthen community expression.
My vision as an NGO director:
By combining art, education and social engagement, I am committed to creating an inclusive and enriching environment where people can develop their skills and have their voices heard. Toonda is not just a cultural centre, but a place of inspiration, mutual support and shared growth. Our next big goal is to build a vocational school that can provide training for various industries and also offer prospects to students who have had little to no schooling.
Toonda 