Friends of Ngong Road

We empower Nairobi children living in poverty to transform their lives through education and support, leading to employment.

  • About
    • Our Story
    • Our Impact
    • Board of Directors
    • Kenya Staff
    • US Staff
    • Financials, Tax, and Policies
    • Careers
  • Program
    • Our Program
    • Education
    • Health and Well-Being
    • Supportive Community
    • Camp
    • Employment Programs
      • Techmates Program
    • Karibu Loo
  • Transform a Life
    • Get Involved
    • Becoming a Sponsor
    • Wepowerment Legacy Circle
  • News
    • Events
  • Donate
  • Sponsor
  • Sign In

September 9, 2025 By Dan Fernelius Leave a Comment

My first month with Friends


Hi Friends,

I’m writing just a little more than one month into helping steward Friends of Ngong Road into its next chapter. Someone asked me today if it feels like I’ve been drinking from a fire hose — which in some ways, is true. But what I’ve found one month in is: although there’s been much I’ve been getting my arms around, what stands out is how this community has put its arms around me.



The top of mind example is our team in Kenya. I had a chance to spend a week with them in August both to get into the weeds on what we’re up to programmatically and to literally run through the weeds (mainly grass!) as part of Saturday program. Of all of the things I could rave about when it comes to our partners in Kenya, here’s what you need to know: their professionalism and diligence is only outdone by the genuine care and commitment they have to each other and our program. I am so grateful to call them partners and colleagues.



Back here in the States, it’s been wonderful and simply just a great time getting to know so many of our supporters. In these first thirty days I’ve met with nearly fifty of our supporters — from Santa Barbara to Chicago to the Twin Cities.

If we haven’t had a chance to meet, let’s find a time! You all are the wind in our sails; the reason we’re able to realize our mission. I’m so grateful for the nearly twenty years of support so many of you have provided, and look forward to meeting many more of you.

Looking ahead, here’s what you should expect from us:

  • As we approach our twentieth anniversary, we’re laying the foundation for the next twenty years. We’ll be reaching out to hear your perspective on how we can continue this work together.
  • We’re also entering our most critical fundraising season. Nearly two decades of transformation have been made possible by your generosity — and continued support will ensure we thrive in the years ahead. If you’ve given at year’s end before, expect to hear from me.
  • Finally, while the world feels uncertain, our commitment does not. Board and staff alike remain steadfast: change in a child’s life happens one day at a time, and you can count on us to be there daily for our students as we grow.

Let me close this post by sharing a conversation I had with one of our former students — now a Ngong Road case manager — Wence during a game of chess (Wence 2; Dan 1, by the way).

He said, “a student asked me today, ‘Who are you without your titles?’ Dan, how would you answer that same question?”


My answer was: we all carry so many titles in how we show up in the world. We all have so many ways we’d like to be seen. But at Friends of Ngong Road, it’s powerful to remember how much positive change can come from just one simple title: Friend.

In friendship,

Dan Fernelius
President, Friends of Ngong Road

August 13, 2025 By Dan Fernelius Leave a Comment

Hitting the road

Looking forward to my first trip to Kenya

When I first joined the board of Friends of Ngong Road nearly two years ago, traveling to Nairobi was something our Founder, Paula Meyer, insisted was something I “needed to do ASAP.” For many of us who’ve heard the same thing from Paula over the years, you may have reacted like I did: “That sounds like quite the undertaking!” Crossing an ocean, a hemisphere, and eight time zones across ~20 hours of travel is no small feat.

But my second reaction was: it really is a small feat compared to our mission—we’re committing to transforming lives one day at a time over the course of a decade (or more!), being there for children as they grow and develop, supporting them on the path towards completing their education leading to employment. Heading to Kenya is an easy road to take.

Which is why I’m so excited to share that I’m hitting the road to Kenya next week, August 21, along with Friends of Ngong Road’s COO, Amy Johnson. I can’t wait to hear from students, families, our staff, and supporters directly about their experience, and what our work means to them.

I want to hear from you, too. I’m holding a virtual Townhall on Monday, August 25 at 8:00 a.m. (US Central Time) where you can hear from me and Kelvin Thuku, Programmes Manager, as well as Friends of Ngong Road Board Chair, Kris Petersen. Bring your thoughts, well wishes, or questions—there’ll be ample time to hear from many of you during the Townhall. You can RSVP to join us here.

I’m excited to share more about my time in Kenya. If you have any recommendations, tips, or heads up about my travels, don’t hesitate to drop me a note at dan@ngongroad.org.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Site Search

Friends of Ngong Road
100 1st St S #581308
Minneapolis, MN 55458
(612) 568-4211 | info@ngongroad.org

EIN: 20-4690846

 Subscribe to Our Newsletter
LectorAge 11 years
Learn More
  • Home
  • Contact US
  • Privacy Policy
  • Ngong Road Children’s Foundation Kenya Homepage
© 2025 · Friends of Ngong Road, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Subscribe to our newsletter