Friends of Ngong Road

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

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Anne Heller’s Vibrant Return to Nairobi

What do you do when you are captivated by the indomitable spirit of the children you met on your first trip to Nairobi? If you are like my husband, Andy, and me, you quickly engineer a way to return, confirming that the magic of the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) is just as fulfilling as you remembered, and then some.

In March 2025, we had our first introduction to NRCF alongside founder Paula Meyer. We met Eliakim, the student we sponsor, engaged with the talented local staff, and witnessed the vibrant Saturday program. Seeing the joy in the primary grades and the quiet dedication of the secondary students inspired me to move beyond sponsorship and deepen my involvement with the organization.

Strengthening the Bond: From Spain to Chicago to Kenya

Although we are primarily based in Spain, we maintained our connection to the mission during a visit to Chicago in late 2025. It was there that we reconnected with Paula and met Executive Director Dan Fernelius. Hearing about the ambitious goals for the foundation, I knew I had to join the upcoming board trip in the spring of 2026.

The 2026 Board Visit: Strategy and “Crazy Games”

On April 11, 2026, I returned to Nairobi with Dan, board members Leslie Walstrom and Keith Richard, and Naomi Miezwa. Our week was a profound blend of strategic oversight and heartfelt community connection:

  • Behind the Scenes: We kicked off with staff meetings to learn about the intricate roles that keep NRCF running.
  • Community Moments: We shared lunch at KFC with students and case managers, bridging the gap between supporters and those on the ground.
  • The Saturday Program: We participated in “Crazy Games”—a high-energy event that showcases the vibrant spirit of our students, even during school breaks.
  • Collaborative Learning: We toured schools and met with similar educational foundations in Nairobi to share insights and strengthen our collective impact.

The Ripple Effect of a Single Drop

This week in Nairobi was a “technicolor” experience—impactful, hopeful, and vibrant. The gentle, optimistic nature of the people here acts as its own kind of magic. It reinforces the belief that supporting even one child creates a ripple effect.

It is a testament to how a single drop of water, through consistency and connection, can grow into a powerful force for change. I returned home more determined than ever to support the ambitious future of NRCF.

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Michael’s Journey: From Coding Bootcamp to Tech Innovator

The journey of digital transformation often begins with a single student identifying a gap in the system. For Michael Moses, that journey started in 2018 when he joined the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF). Since then, the organization has been a cornerstone of his educational development, providing the support necessary to turn academic potential into real-world innovation.

Building a Strong Technical Foundation

After high school, Michael and his peers were selected for an intensive coding bootcamp facilitated by DirectEd Development. This eight-month program was a turning point, equipping him with a sophisticated suite of technical and professional skills, including:

  • Programming Languages: Mastery of Python and JavaScript.
  • Version Control: Proficiency in Git and GitHub.
  • Professional Skills: Training in project management and collaborative teamwork.

While Michael initially specialized in Generative AI and Machine Learning, his passion soon expanded into broader software development, specifically focusing on the creation of mobile and web applications.

Identifying the “WhatsApp Chaos” Problem

Now a second-year student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), pursuing a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, Michael observed a recurring frustration among his peers.

Despite being in a high-tech environment, most academic communication still relied on WhatsApp groups. This led to “information overload,” where vital lecture notes, deadlines, and official announcements were frequently buried under hundreds of casual chat messages. Michael realized this wasn’t just a student problem; it was a challenge for any corporate organization relying on disorganized chat apps for data sharing.

The Birth of Semestra

In October 2024, Michael decided to bridge this gap. After conducting market research to validate the demand for a more organized system, he began development in December. By April 2026, he successfully launched the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) of his platform: Semestra.

Semestra is designed to modernize how learning institutions share resources. It offers a centralized, organized hub where academic information is impossible to miss.

Early Success and Future Vision

The impact of the platform was immediate. Since its launch, 18 classes at JKUAT have already adopted Semestra to manage their academic workflows.

Michael’s goal is to scale this solution across more institutions, replacing chaotic messaging threads with a professional, streamlined platform. His story serves as a powerful testament to how targeted educational support and personal initiative can drive the next generation of African tech solutions.

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One of Minnesota’s Largest Foundations Supports Friends of Ngong Road with a $200,000 grant

Friends of Ngong Road (FoNR) is honored to announce a $200,000 grant from Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies (MACP) in support of organizational capacity building. This generous support marks a meaningful milestone in our nearly twenty-year journey to empower children in Nairobi’s informal settlements through education, support, and opportunity.

MACP, one of the nation’s largest private philanthropies, is guided by a clear vision: to make a meaningful difference in the world through support for work in communities, the environment, arts and culture, disaster relief, and quality of life. Their support of Friends of Ngong Road affirms both the importance of our mission and the promise of our next chapter of growth.

For Friends, capacity building means strengthening the systems, infrastructure, and leadership that make our student-centered model sustainable. It’s the kind of support that helps us develop momentum while we build—ensuring that as we expand access to education, healthcare, and employment pathways, we do so with stability and sustainability.

This is the first time Friends of Ngong Road has received funding from a major institutional foundation, and it signals growing recognition of our proven results. Since 2006, Friends has served hundreds of students, and nearly three-quarters of our alumni are now employed. That track record—and the resilience of our students and staff—has created both measurable outcomes and deep, community-based change.

We are deeply grateful to Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies for believing in our mission and helping to strengthen its foundation. Their partnership represents not only a financial commitment but a powerful vote of confidence in what Friends of Ngong Road stands for: that every child, no matter where they begin, deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.