At Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF), we are very proud of our students. Today, we celebrate Pacifikah, a young woman who shows us what hard work and leadership look like.

Pacifikah is currently in her 3rd year at Eldoret National Polytechnic. She is studying a Diploma in Counseling and Psychology Level 6. She is not just a student; she is a leader who makes a difference every day.

A Strong Voice for Students

In school, Pacifikah is the Class Representative. This means her classmates chose her to lead them. She is very vocal and is never afraid to speak up for others.

Because she is studying psychology, she is very good at:

• Helping others: She listens to her friends when they have problems.
• Leading: She helps her class stay organized and talk to their teachers.
• Being Brave: She uses her voice to make sure every student is treated fairly.

A Champion on the Rugby Field

When she is not in the classroom, Pacifikah is on the sports field. She plays rugby for the school team.

Rugby is a tough and fast sport. It requires a lot of energy and teamwork. By playing rugby, Pacifikah has learned how to be strong, disciplined, and a team player. She brings that same “never give up” spirit to her studies and her life at NRCF.

Our Pride at NRCF

Pacifikah’s story is a great example for all the children at Ngong Road Children’s Foundation. She shows that with support and hard work, you can become:

1. A great student in a professional field.
2. A brave leader who helps others.
3. A strong athlete who stays healthy and active.

We are so happy to support Pacifikah as she finishes her final year. She is a true role model!

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.

The first quarter of 2026 has been a season of both dynamic growth and significant challenges for the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF). As we celebrate major milestones in student enrollment and academic success, we remain committed to navigating the “real-world” hurdles our community faces.

Expanding Our Reach: 50 New Students Join NRCF

This quarter, we welcomed 50 new students into our program. These children, who were previously on our waiting list, now have the opportunity to learn, grow, and imagine a different future.

However, the need in our community continues to rise. During this same period, our waiting list has doubled—a sobering reminder of the scale of our mission and the urgency of our work.

2026: A Historic Year of Growth

Looking ahead, April 2026 will see another 50 students join the program. This expansion makes 2026 the single largest year of growth in our 20-year history—a milestone that reflects both the increasing demand and our deepening commitment to meet it.

Our Partners in Change

None of this would be possible without our sponsors, donors, and partners. You do more than fund education—you open doors and help shape futures that once felt out of reach. Together, we are changing lives, one student at a time.