Hi Friends,
This year, Friends of Ngong Road officially kicks off its 20th Anniversary Celebration. It is a milestone that invites both reflection on where we started and excitement for where we are headed.
When I began this journey two decades ago, my hope was simple: to help a small number of children gain a foothold through primary school education. What has unfolded since then has far exceeded anything I could have imagined.
From Primary Education to Life Transformation
In the early days, our focus was narrow. However, a pivotal moment in 2008 reshaped our entire path. We realized that to create meaningful, lasting change, our goal had to be life transformation, not just primary education.
We committed to supporting students through high school and beyond, recognizing that true independence requires access to professional careers and long-term opportunities.
A Legacy of Impact: By the Numbers
Today, the ripple effect of that commitment is visible across Kenya. Our community of support has fostered incredible growth:
- 285 Alumni: Our graduates are now working as engineers, teachers, accountants, and programmers.
- Breaking the Cycle: Many alumni now live in stable housing and earn a living wage, building better futures for their families.
- Current Students: Nearly 400 students are actively pursuing their education, with another 50 joining the program this April.
Resilience Through Challenges
Our growth hasn’t been without its hurdles. In 2009, a landmark $1 million gift seeded our endowment, providing the financial confidence to pursue our long-term vision.
Since then, we have faced challenges that tested our integrity and resilience. Yet, through every difficult period, we emerged stronger, more disciplined, and more committed to our mission than ever before.
A Bright Future for Friends of Ngong Road
One of the greatest challenges for any founder is ensuring an organization can thrive beyond their own tenure. For a time, I was uncertain about what the future might hold.
Today, that uncertainty has vanished. Thanks to the leadership of our President, Dan Fernelius, and Program Director, Kelvin Thuku, along with our dedicated boards and staff in the U.S. and Kenya, I am confident that our future is bright.
“Our vision is clear: we aim to reach 1,000 students by 2030. I am deeply inspired by this goal and grateful to the community for making it possible.”
Join Us in Minneapolis
We invite you to celebrate this 20-year journey with us. We will be honoring what we have built together and looking ahead to the next two decades of impact.
- Date: April 23rd
- Location: Minneapolis, MN
Thank you for being part of this story. Together, we are changing lives.
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