Modupe Debbie Ariyo
Debbie is Founder and Executive Director of AFRUCA - Africans Unite Against Child Abuse. She holds a Masters degree in Urban Policy from the University of North London and a Bachelors in French and Education from University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
As a child rights campaigner, Debbie has been very vocal and visible in highlighting issues affecting the safeguarding of African children in the UK. She has helped to develop AFRUCA's work programmes on the promotion and protection of African children. She has worked with and advises different local authorities and organisations across the country to help improve service provision to African children in their care.
Debbie has also written and spoken extensively on issues affecting the welfare of children in the UK. She sits on the Boards of a number of organisations and serves on many committees, including the Ministerial NGO Forum on Human Trafficking co-chaired by the Minister for Immigration (Vernon Coaker) and the Solicitor General (Vera Baird). She also sits on the Association of Chief Police Officers' Committee on Human Trafficking. She is a Non Executive Board Member of the Independent Safeguarding Authority, the new barring and vetting agency established to prevent unsuitable people working with vulnerable adults and children.
Debbie is a Fellow of the School for Social Enterpreneurs. She is a Governor at a foundation school in South London. She is a recipient of the Gathering of Africa's Best Award for her contributions to the positive image of the UK African community through her work at AFRUCA. She won the best Female Social Entrepreneur Award by Precious Awards for Women. She was also awarded the Excellence in Humanitarian Work Award by the Nigerian International Professional Network for her work with African children.
